PRIVATE BUSINESS.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18875, 20 February 1933, Page 5

PRIVATE BUSINESS.

STATE COMPETITION.

COMMERCIAL MEN PROTEST. "It is the desire of our executive,” fcrote the Associated Chambers of Commerce to the Palmerston North Chamber, "to collect as many specifio 'oases of Government interference in business as possible, and with this end in view we would ask you to send a copy of the enclosed circular to each member of your chamber, and after Investigation of any cases that you may receive, to forward them to us for appropriate action. "Privileged trading by State and local body departments in competition with private concerns, and State interferences and restrictions of all kinds, need to be combated with the full strength of organised trade.” "It does seem a sad commentary on the state we have reached,” said the president (Mr M. H. Oram) at a meeting of the Palmerston North Chamber, “when we look back and see the way the British Empire has been built up by private trade, by private business, and by private initiative, assisted by the Government, that we are now reduced to the stage where private businesses and concerns are banding together to protect themselves from the Government, which should be their protector. I suggest that the secretary take up the matter actively and circularise every member and endeavour to obtain information relating to any cases of State Interference that they know of. If the Associated Chambers 'can accomplish something In this matter, they will do a lot for the Dominion, because until private enterprise is unhampered, the country will never be able to regain prosperity.” *

The chairman's suggestion -was agreed to.