Labour’s Legislation

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 276, 21 November 1936, Page 6

Labour’s Legislation

CAN COUNTRY STAND THE COST? Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. 20. The success of .the congress of Associated Chambers of Commerce of the Empire was referred to by Mr. Norton Francis in the course of his presidential address at the annual meeting of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand to-day. He paid a tribute to the work of the Wellington executive and officers and also to the officers of the Tourist Department. In that connection the visit of oversea friends had do.no much to provide an object lesson to the businessmen of New Zealand in co-operation and unity. The Socialistic character of many recent Acts of Parliament was the main theme of his address.

Mr. Francis stressed the dangers of precipitate Government action, insufficient regards for sound and proven principles, and inexpert administration of Socialistic powers, and drew attention to the increasing disregard for constitutional safeguards. He said it was to be hoped that high prices would bo received for exports during tho period of experimentation. Mr. F-ancis said that if the Government exercised all the powers it had taken of late very substantial additions would need to be made to the ranks of tho public service. He asked “Could the country stand the cost and would business be able to move in its straightjacket.” New Zealand, lie *said, had launched out into the middle of the stream on what was plainly an adventure.”