INDUSTRY CONTROL

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20125, 22 February 1937, Page 2

INDUSTRY CONTROL

WORK UNDER NEW ACT. LICENSING PROCEDURE. EXTENSIVE RESEARCH DONE. (Special to Times). CHRISTCHURCH. Monday. The opinion that the Bureau of Industry was one of the most important phases of the Government’s activities was expressed by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. D. G. 'Sullivan, in reviewing the work done under the Industrial Efficiency Aot. “The bureau was set up to aot as an Industrial licensing authority so as to secure the greatest possible degree of efficiency in industry, and as an organisation to foster new industries and to develop existing industries on the most efficient basis. Industry has a very wide meaning under the Act, and included distribution as well as manufacture,” he said. “Although the bureau has only been in existence for just over a month,” said the Minister, “a considerable amount of initial work has been done in tackling a task of great responsibility and magnitude. Probably the most important function of the bureau is that of acting as licensing authority under the Aot in respect of 12 industries whiih have already been gazetted. These industries were so gazetted in order that, through licensing in terms of the Act, greater efficiency could be secured, to the benefit of the consuming public and to those engaged in the industry concerned. Many Applications. “In this connecton the bureau has now Anally decided on the method of procedure to be adopted in considering applications for licenses, and accordingly will now take the necessary steps with regard to each licensed industry and applications which have been received. Many applications are awaiting consideration and decision, particularly dealing with new petrol reselling units, and these will be decided as soon as possible, as it is realised that no undue delay should occur now that the necessary licensing organisation has been established. “With respect to the licensed industries,” said Mr Sullivan, “careful and detailed Investigation, In some cases extending overseas, has been considered necessary, and for that purpose a number of special committees have been set up of technical officers experienced in the subject concerned. After a full investigation as to the most efficient means of production, and with the greater productive efficiency which will be possible in various industries where licensing has been or will be introduced, action will be taken with the object of establishing industries that in some oases will be new to New Zealand. “In addition to endeavouring to obtain greater efficiency in industry through the exercise of its licensing powers, the bureau, with the same object in view, has given consideration to the formulation of plans for the reorganisation or rehabilitation of various industries. Some of the Activities. “The bureau’s plan for assisting the flax industry has been accepted by the Government,” said the Minister, “and will shortly be submitted to the industry. Under the provisions of the Industrial Efficiency Act the Ashing industry is another to which consideration has been given, and a special committee has been appointed to take evidence and investigate fully all phases of the Industry as a preliminary to the formulation of a plan of organisation. The bureau has also made certain proposals for the kauri gum industry, which, if investigations now being made prove satisfactory, may give a brighter future to this Industry. Preliminary consideration has been given to the reorganisation of the pharmacy industry, and the basis of a plan has been completed. “A third duty of the bureau is to promote new industries, and a number of proposals are now before it. The practice adopted by the bureau In dealing with these proposals is to appoint a committee drawn from Government departments and comprised of experts, with the addition of one or more members of the bureau itself. These committees hear evidence and gather all data for the proposal and collate it into a comprehensive report for the bureau members. Hope For Results. “We reoognise that many of the problems are complex and difficult,” said Mr Sullivan, “but all the facilities of the Government service are placed at the disposal of the bureau, as well as expert knowledge and advice from those engaged in the respective industries, and I am confident that as a result of exhaustive investigations that are being made it will be possible to lake steps that will be of immediate and lasting benefit to the Dominion and its people.”