TRADERS’ COMPLAINT

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 5, 1 October 1943, Page 4

TRADERS’ COMPLAINT

State Interference In Business Commenting on “Hie danger of _Goverunicnt interference in business,' the United Kingdom Manufacturers and New Zealand Representatives’ Association states that it becomes imperative that honest traders should use every legitimate means in their power to tight determinedly and constructively to uphold the traditions of British freedom and fair play in developing trade and The association claims to have at all times endeavoured to carry out a policy unallied to any political party, but at the same time it has seriously consiu-/ cred legislation whicli vitally affects-reci-procal trade between the United Kingdom and New Zealand.” Reference is made to the association’s criticism ot the import, restrictions at a time when their full implementation was not justified. ■Subsequent events, it was stated, proied the association’s contention to be correct, though import control during wartime had become necessary in almost eve'-v -x-untry. It was considered:, however that with the gradual socialization of industry and commerce, the life ol the community as a whole was being regimented under numerous regulations whicli undermined the freedom of the indiviGuiiL Referring to remarks' made recently by the mayor of Brisbane on “socialization nnd regimentation of all forms of activity in Australia,” the association states tliat: “There is no doubt whatever that nreciselv similar conditions apply; here in New Zealand. Though full cognizance must be given to the terms of the Atlantic Charter, and all that it implies, British manufacturers and their representatives overseas will have to keep an merwatchful eve tliat by political subterfuge their rights and privileges are not taken away.”