FURTHER ECONOMIES

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 102, 27 October 1933, Page 5

FURTHER ECONOMIES

URGED ON GOVERNMENT

BUSINESS MEN'S VIEWS

(By .Telegraph.—Press Association.) "WANGANUI, October 20. The annual conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce passed a resolution today advocating further measures of economy by the Government in order that the demands upon taxpayers be brought more into lino with their ability to pay. Tho chambers urged (a) that the recommendations of the National Expenditure Commission not already adopted bo put into effect, including the reform of hospital administration, reversion to the contract systom on public works, amalgamation of Government departments, and reduction of Government inspectorial staffs; (b) that, in completion of tho unfinished work of the Commission and with a view to effecting economies, an independent investigation bo made into the affairs of the State Advances Offico and other trading departments not investigated by the Commission. The chambers abjo urged that a drastic revision of tho local body system was vitally necessary, and asked that the promise of the Prime Minister, made more than two years ago, to set up a Commission to investigate this matter, be fulfilled immediately. A remit which received support was one expressing alarm at the continued interference of the Government in business by means of legislation, regulations, and expansion of existing departments of State, thereby reducing the field within which private- individuals may earn a living. The chambers reconimcnded that, as it was the business of the State to govern, it should withdraw from those services which could be promoted by private enterprise, such a3 State coal mines, the State Advances Department, public works, and. State dental services. It was suggested that State and local body trading concerns pay Customs duties, land and income taxes, land and municipal taxes, and prepare balance-sheets in accord with the practice insisted upon, in regard to privateenterprise. An amendment to delete the State dental ; services from the scope of the remit was lost. 1 Dealing with unemployment, the chambers reminded the Government that' a reduction in taxation for this pur-pose was essential. It was urged that where- public works are undertaken for the unemployed the Government' concentrate on schemes which show a reasonable prospect of paying interest and amortisation and that these public works bo carried out by private contract under tender, and that the basis of subsidising private employers engaging unemployed labour on such works should be ono of two shifts of 30 hours in order that more men may bo employed.