SERIOUS EFFECT ON BUSINESS

Southland Times, Issue 23953, 20 October 1939, Page 8

SERIOUS EFFECT ON BUSINESS

“SOCIALIZATION OF INDUSTRY”

MODIFICATION OF LABOUR POLICY DEMANDED

(United Press Association)

AUCKLAND, October 19.. A determination to halt the socialization of industry in New Zealand, and to demand a modification of the Government’s policy was expressed by a mass deputation to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce today. The deputation was the largest ever received by the chamber and was representative of all sections of the business community. , . Mr J. Howie said that during recent years Cabinet and the various administrative departments of State had been armed by Parliament with exceedingly high powers over every branch of the industrial and commercial life of the Dominion. The outbreak of war had been made the occasion for an intensification of activities along the lines indicated. Business men were anxious to co-operate with the Government. “We have always been law-abiding citizens. We submit, however, some of the measures introduced by the Government are putting it out of our power to give the maximuni contribution of which we are capable, he said. “The restrictions, interferences, regimentation, and control to which each and all of us have been subjected have made it well-nigh impossible for us to conduct our businesses in anything even faintly resembling a normal manner.” After a lively discussion it was decided to appoint a committee consisting of four representatives of the deputation, four of the chamber, and two to be invited from the Farmers Union, with power to add; these to meet immediately to decide what representations should be made to Cabinet.