GOVERNMENT OBLIGED TO TO INTERFERE

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 3539, 22 February 1927, Page 7

GOVERNMENT OBLIGED TO TO INTERFERE

WHEN METHOD OP SECTION DETRIMENTAL TO ANOTHER. PROPRIETARY ARTICLES T.A. INQUIRY. (Per Press Association). , WELLINGTON. Last Night. The tribunal appointed by the Government to Inquire into the proposed operations of the Proprietary Articles Trade Association (P.A.T.A.), and object of which is to fix prices at which certain articles in common use may be sold commenced its sittings this morning. o ’The committee consists of Messrs. B. Montgomery (ex-Gontroller of Customs), W. R. Hayward'(Manufacturer, of Dunedin), M. J. Reardon (exworkers’ representative on the Arbitration Court),-and J. W. Collins (secertary gf Industries and Commerce). Afte- h preliminary address by the Minister of industries and- Commerce (Hon. Mr. McLeod), the committee discussed matters preliminary to the hearing of evidence which was proceeded with later. , In his address, the Hon.. Mr. McLeod said that the Government had laid down a policy of non-interference in business. H» wevei V a Government which-concerned Itself T*ith the welfare of all sections of the community would be obliged to interfere in matters'where it appeared that the business methods of one section of . community were detrimentally affecting Other sections. It had been reported to the Government' that- it was considered the P.A.T.A-. would be detrimental to certain sections of the community; . His'Department was not in a position to Judge the truth or otherwise of the assertions made against the Association and .cpnaeqeuntly this tribunal had been set up The Department had advised those who were associated with the early -formation, of the Association that It would probably be necessary to procure evidence on certain ppints which were being raised, and they had complied with the suggestion that no more should be made for the registration of the Association pending an inquiry. The Association had pointed out that it was not aware of anything which prevented the formation of a body having objects they stood for. But it had agreed not to proceed until an investigation took place. "All the Government desires,” said the Hon. Mr.;McLeod, "is a thorough investigation as far as you deem it wise to go. The Government makes no suggestions to you in any way as ■to what course you should follow. The Board of Trade Act gives you the necessary powers to report Impartially to the Government the various findings you may arrive at according to the evidence submitted." In conclusion, the Minister, said that in view of the possibility of legislation being necessary next Session to give effect to the findings of the Committee, he would like to have their report as soon as possible. The Minister then withdrew.