BOARD OF TRADE ACT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21520, 17 June 1933, Page 13

BOARD OF TRADE ACT

NEED FOR REVISION OBJECTIONABLE STATUTE" ♦ BUSINESS MAN'S CRITICISM [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Friday Comment on the Board of Trade Act and its powers was made to-day by Mr. A. S. Burgess, president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, who urged that Parliament should make the measure more reasonable by revision. "The judgment of the Court of Appeal yesterday invalidating certain regulations made under the Board of Trade Act is of prime importance," said Mr. Burgees. "For years this objectionable statute has been not only an open affront to the business community of the Dominion, but also a menace to the welfare of the country. " On the face of it, the Board of Trade Act gives power to one man, namely, the Minister of Industries and Commerce, through the GovernorGeneral in Council, to assume virtual dictatorship over every trade, business, profession and undertaking whatsoever carried on for the purpose of profit. The wording of the Act invests the Minister with power even to fix prices or rates for any classes of goods or services. The Chief Justice places a more reasonable construction on the terms of the Act than that Parliament has surrendered the whole control and governance of private business to the Cabinet, but the Crown has in this case responsibly argued in support of complete dictatorship with Parliament possessing only a cancelling power of doubtful efficacy. " The Associated Chambers of Commerce have consistenth' pointed out the objectionable and dangerous nature of the Board of Trade Act," continued Mr. Burgess. "The Act is an undesirable relic of war time legislation. If it is necessary to retain it in some form, then my association again urges that it be replaced by a shorter, more reasonable and less dangerous measure."