The Times SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1937. Licenses for All

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 55, 6 March 1937, Page 4

The Times SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1937. Licenses for All

A notice in the Press advises the public that the secretary of the Bureau of Industry, Wellington, has received an application for a license to erect a petrol pump. Any person who considers he will he materially affected by the decision of the Bureau in respect of this application, and who wishes to make representations accordingly, must furnish such representations in writing.

This is but one example of the working of the Industrial Efficiency Act, .1936. Under this Act the State may apply control to any industry or trade whatsoever. The possession of experience, knowledge and the desire to engage in a business does not assure that any person may enter that business. He must obtain a license to do so and that license can and may be refused.

There are two sides to all questions. In the past many a trader has felt himself wronged by what he regarded as uneconomic competition. Now the Act provides him a security from this. When brought forward it was given support by the manufacturers of the Dominion and so too will it have the support of many thousands of others engaged in trade, large and small.

There are, however, dangers in sueh control. Free competition is a spur to efficiency and to the giving of good service to the public. That which may be welcomed by traders may not eventually prove in the best interests of consumers. Another factor is to be considered. Is there risk of a “crystallisation” of our trade and business; the possibility that existing business may be too long and to too great an extent, kept free of new entrants. The whole standard and practice of commerce may become “old” through lack of new blood.

The all-important part of any Act is its administration. Clauses," protective or otherwise, are ever capable of various interpretations. Should the Act come to be interpreted as providing solely for the “protection” of present business, then it must work ill for the country as a whole. Should it be applied only to the prevention of definitely unsound competition, more good than ill may be achieved. To interpret the provisions of this Act to the common good and in the widest sense is no light task. Those responsible for its administration will require great ability, insight and sound commonsense.