BOARD OF TRADE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16739, 22 May 1922, Page 6

BOARD OF TRADE.

RETRENCHMENT POLICY. I (Feom Ocr Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, May 20. Though the Trade and Commerce [Department has been substantially curtailed, the Hon E. P. I>ee, Minister in Charge, informed a representative of the “ Star ” that it is not by any means disappearing, and that it •will continue to carry on useful functions. “ A good deal of work required of the Department during the war is not needed to-dav,” he explained, “but we are keeping on sufficient staff for the work which presents itself. Yes, wo still make inquiries into complaints of over-charging, but not to the former j extent, therefore we are justified ir* i cutting down the staff to the proper.*- j tions warranted by current needs. Ths members of the Board of Trade iro still retained, and there is still im- • portant control work to be done, j wheat and sugar being subject official control. There has been no j complaint that necessary work lias not i been done, although there is some 1 criticism of the curtailment of staff j which we have been obliged to carrv j scheme of retrench men t. ? ’