The Rangitikei Advocate. TWO EDITIONS DAILY. SATURDAY, OCT. 25, 1919. INDUSTRIES AND TRANSPORT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11930, 25 October 1919, Page 4

The Rangitikei Advocate. TWO EDITIONS DAILY. SATURDAY, OCT. 25, 1919. INDUSTRIES AND TRANSPORT.

THE election programme of the Reform Party, as propounded by Mr Massey, deals 'with two important matters ia the following terms:— "State assistance in marketing products by securing the best possible transport arrangements, thus venting the exploitation of both producers - and consumers. Encouragement of industries in every possible way, but especially by (a) using up our' raw materials; (b) encouraging the establishment of ironworks, shipbuilding and other secondary industries with a view to providing employment for our people and avoiding a disadvantageous trade balance; and (c) encouraging the fishing industry by financial assistance for the purpose of providing cold storage and up-to-date fishing vessels and gear, repayment to be on the instalment system; fishing interests of the Dominion to be placed under one Minister." Now there are only two ways by which the State can safely assist the people in these matters. One is by removing all artificially raised .barriers that hamper trade and commerce, and the other is by subsidising useful,infant

industries till they gain sufficient strength to be self-supporting. It is not desirable that the State should either own ships or control transport business, though it may fittingly pay bonuses for improved services. As conditions are at present there is nothing to be gained by State-owner-ship of shipping services, which, indeed, judging from experience in similar matters, might lead to greater troubles than those with which we already have to contend. Where the State can best do service is by removing all barriers against trade with others, so that shipping lines may be sure of full cargoes of supplies for us and of four produce in return. If the people of the North Island were to draw a line across it, and tnen those on each side set to work to provide perfect roads or means of transport each would benefit the other. But if barriers were erected on the line and heavy tolls were demanded on all goods carried then each would beat a disadvantage. This, however, would be exactly similar to what is done by our tolls on traffic at every port cf entry from the sea, the great highway of world traffic. When the Ministry deal matters we sincerely trust that they will abandon the policy that has prevailed for so long, and that has already produced so many evils in this young country, in which trade should be free and commerce unfettered.