Efficiency Bill Too Far-reaching

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 236, 6 October 1936, Page 6

Efficiency Bill Too Far-reaching

AN AUCKLAND PROTEST. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. Strong opposition to the provisions of the Industrial Efficiency Bill was voiced at a special general meeting of the Chamber of Commerce this morning, nearly a hundred members attending. A resolution was uuved by Mr. E. G. Basket 1, and was carried, though thero were a number of dissentients, expressing alarm at the far-reach-ing proposals contained in the Bill, involving bureaucratic control of all industrial and commercial activity in the Dominion and the complete subjugation of all privato enterprise without provision for compensation. The resolution also referred to tho unlimited powers which would bo granted tho Minister in taking away tho right of tho subject to appeal to the courts, and urged on the Government the desirability of modifying the Bill, or failing that, of postponing further action until its far-reaching implications are understood by the public.

Dunedin’s Objections

DUNEDIN, Last Night

A special meeting of the Chamber of Commerce held to-day to consider the Induslriui Efficiency Bid passed the following resolutions: “That this Chamber representative of all classes of the commercial community desires to affirm the following objections to the Industrial Efficiency Bill now before Parliament: (1) That as this Bill deeply concerns every possible typo of business and profession, and not merely manufacturers, further opportunity should be given to all tfibso interested to consider its provisions and implications and to make representations to tho Government; (2) that the Bill as drafted does not provide any adequate safeguard at all for the interests of those concerned; (8) that the powers conferred by the Bill upon the person for the time being occupying tho position of Minister of Industries and Commerco are too extensive, and should be modiiied and in particular that the right of appeal from the Ministerial decisions to an independent tribunal should be provided for. For these general reasons, we strongly urge upon tho Government the desirability of postponing consideration of the Biff at least till next session.”