THE STATE AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE

NZ Truth, Issue 1062, 1 April 1926, Page 6

THE STATE AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE

Government Control Sometimes Essential T AST week a deputation of business men protested against Government interference m private enterprise, contending that business was wholly a private function, and that it depended for its success upon freedom from State control and interference. ''■'-.'■■ THERE is much to be said for and against Government inter- * ference. Legitimate and honest private enterprise is best free from it, and under these conditions will prosper to a greater extent than would otherwise be the case. ' However, producer and public have to be protected from octopus-like New Zealand is fairly free from this menace if we except one or two industries, notably „ shipping. • THERE is little doubt that this position has been brought about *• byjudicions interference on the part of tlie State. At various times producer and public have been threatened with exploitation, but by taking immediate,' and sometimes, even drastic, action the Government has provided sufficient protection. \a/HEN the State engages m trading it should carry its com- "' petition against private concerns along perfectly i^air lines, and an assurance on this point was given to the deputation by Mr. Coatcs. The 'Public- Trust 'Office, State lusnrancc and other similar State Departments arc not to be abolished, but they are all to be conducted on proper business lines. THE real motive underlying the deputation,' however, has reference to our primary industries. The, remainder of the business was purely skirmishing, and there see ins little doubt that what the deputation desired to ascertain was what exactly is going to happen to the Dairy Produce Export Control Board's proposal to take over the absolute control of the export trade of this industry. . \ TN his reply, Mr. Coates showed that 'he realizes, to the full the gravity of this proposal. He does not intend to rush matters. The whole position will. be. carefully. surveyed and investigated before action is taken. C^\UR primary industries forge a vital link m the chain of Business and the State, and they present a problem somewhat difficult qf solution. Representing as they do the key to our wealth and prosperity, it is imperative that nothing should occur .which will m any way throw the industries affected backwards. Every move must make for progress. Government methods are as a rule slipshod. They are characterized by carelessness, inefficiency, lack of initiative and mile upon mile of red' tape. Political control invariably means favoritism, and favoritism results m the placing . of inefficient officials m the vital and "key" positions. ONCE State Affairs are conducted along sane, common-sense business lines, and the community will have seen the end' of one of the greatest of modern evils. And at the same time one of the principal objections to State control will have ..been .'.'•removed.; .■''■ ;' ["■" -■/■ -./'" ■■■' • ; / ' -, ),■ :■.• '■ THE Dairy Board must have sound reasons for desiring- to- take over absolute control of the export industry. It must consider that the producers are m danger of b^eing . exploited ■by the middlemen, or it must consider that by taking the control unto itself it can secure for the producer a better market, with higher prices. Either reason is sufficient to warrant the action which is contemplated for August next. A But it is essential that should the Board take over the whole control, the marketing of our products must be under- ■■•' taken as though it were a private enterprise. Nothing must be spared to make the venture a success. Red tape and inefficiency must go by the board. THERE is no reason why this sliould not be. Mr. Coates and 1 h;s followers seem ■ determined to prove their election slogan: "More business m Government, and less Government m business" something more than a mere vote-catching cry,' and they will ha\e an admirable opportunity to do so here. ' The attitude which the Government has taken up is a fair one to all concerned, and providing it carries it through '"> properly there should be no complaints. .