WELLINGTON NEWS RESULTS THAT REMAIN.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1926, Page 1

WELLINGTON NEWS

RESULTS THAT REMAIN.

ARBITRATORY POWERS.

(Special to “ Guardian.”)

WELLINGTON, May 24. The Board of Trade Act, 1919, places arbitratory powers in the hands of the Government, powers that no Government should possess, because they can so easily became tyrannical. The Board of Trade Act was not a war measure, for it was passed months after the war ended. Extensive powers were conferred on the Board of Trade to regulate and control industry, but those powers could only be used in any particular instance after a judicial inquiry or investigation had been made by the Board, and after the Board’s recommendation had been duly considered and confirmed by Cabinet. Jt was necessary for the Board of Trade, as well as the Executive Council, to bo parties to any Ordcr-in-Council issued under the Act. In 1923 the Board of Trade Act was abolished, and by an amendment of the Act all powers given by the main act to the Board were given to the Minister of Industries and Commerce, and it is under this Act that the infamous Motor Bus regulations have been issued. There has been no judicial inquiry or investigation, but there has been a conference of the parties, but the Conference results wore not considered by the Government. Business people arc becoming very much alarmed at the powers held by the Government under tlio Board of Trade Act as amended, but it is doubtful whether this or any Government will relinquish such powers—powers that can be used to Frighten political opponents into submission. One dreads to think of the amount of mischief that a Labour Government could do with such legal powers. During the election campaign the Prime Minister was credited with being “the man who gets tilings done,” now he is known as “ the man who does the wrong thing every time.” 'The Board of Trade Act is a very great menace lo I the country, for it cannot be operated i without causing injury. There was no <

urgent call for the issuo of the drastic Bus Regulations which, are to come into force just a week before Parliament is in session. Something may be accomplished if there is a countrywide agitation for the repeal of the Board of Trade Act. The vicious Ordcr-iu-Conneil system of Government must be modified, for as it is now used the liberties of tlm people are jeopardised.

STATE INTERFERENCE IN BUSINESS.

Tlio Department of Economics of

Canterbury College is doing a useful public service in dealing with the factors of national progress. Til the latest bulletin State interference in business receives attention, and the authors of the bulletin say: “Apart from the extension of public ownership and administration of business enterprises,

there has been in recent years a marked extension of Government regulation and control of private businesses. During the war some expansion of bureau-

cratic control was perhaps unavoidable. Since t! ion most other countries have hastened to remove the shackles imposed upon private enterprise under war conditions. In New Zealand not only have war controls been extended in some cases, but new forms of control have been established as well. In addition, business has been subjected in increasing measure to departmental regulations and rulings, and the power to control operations of enormous importance to the country has been vested in bodies not even responsible to ■ Parliament. Some considerable part, at least of this growth of control lias been imposed because the majorities concerned wore apathetic and unorganised. The extension of public functions involved lias bad much to do with 'the great increase in the machinery of public administration, and with the creation of an overgrown Public Service. Taken individually, each regulation in this growing mass of control may appear insignificant enough. But the effect of the whole is very considerable. For the only effect that regulation of this kind can have is restrictive. Public control in the field of private enterprise creates nothing, it merely limits that creation of utilities which constitutes production. Every producer suffers more or less when unwise restrictions arc imposed. High rates and taxes and the everpresent necessity to dissipate useful labour in conforming with regulations of doubtful utility, increase the cost of production and are passed on to the consuming public in higher prices.”

ARE APPRECIATED 15V NEW ZEALAND PEOPLE. Thousands who suffer from backache and kidney complaint have tried on remedy after another, finding only temporary relief. This is discouraging, but there is one kidney medicine that has earned a reputation for lasting results and there is plenty of proof of its merit. Here is a case of one who used Doan’s Backache Kidney Pills years ago and who is still well to-i';-> : Airs C. Harding, Hokitika, says: “ Some time ago a member of my family was afflicted with kidney trouolo. Her back started to ache a good deal and instead of the pain getting easier as she thought it would, her suffering increased and she began to wonder what was the matter. Later on dizzy, nttacks troubled her and sho was alivays tired and languid. The symptoms pointed to the fact that her kidneys were not working properly so she decided to take a course of Doan’s Back-' ache Kidney Pills. They acted splendidly, six bottles making a complete and perfect cure. Sho is very grateful for the good this medicine has done her and will always keep a bottle in the house in case she has a return of her old complaint.” Two years later, Mrs Harding says: “The cure referred to still holds good, no sign of kidney trouble having returned since Doan’s Backache Kidney Pills were used some years ago.” Doan’s Backache Kidney Pills are sold by all chemists and storekeepers it 3s per bottle or will be posted cn receipt of price by Foster-McClellan Co., 15 Hamilton Street, Sydney. But, be sure you get DOAN’S.