Highest Standards Under Private Enterprise

Northern Advocate, 28 June 1944, Page 5

Highest Standards Under Private Enterprise

(Spec.) AUCKLAND, This Day. Stressing that it had been the incentive of private industry which had provided the highest standard of living in the world’s history, the chairman of directors (Mr. A. D. Bell) at the annual meeting of the Farmers Trading Company Limited today discussed problems which retailers would have to face in post-war readjustment.

“We are convinced that the same amount of money, if employed by private industry, will go further in bettering the status of everyone in the country during the post-war period than if that money is used by tho Government.” he said. “It has been the incentive of private industry which has given us the highest standard of living yet enjoyed in any stage of the world’s history. There are flaws in the sytem, but there are flaws in any system, because imperfect man administers i!he system, whatever kind it may be. Private enterprise does produce a far greater volume of goods for division among members-of the community than State ownership could aver produce. During reconstruction in the post-war period, it will be essential to keep up our standard of living by increasing production..”

A second necessity was to maintain the freedom of the individual, added the chairman. Private enterprise gave a man a right to select his own jcb. and the right-to plan for his own advancement. It would not have regimentation or conscription in peacetime.