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Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1927, Page 2

Nothing lias worked more potently to make the Government unpopular, says the. Auckland Star, than the amazing inconsistency -of its attitude to business. ‘‘More business in Government and less Government in business” is seen to have been a mockery. Tt is interesting and encouraging to note that the business world, which one might reasonably suppose was especially attracted by such a slogan, is becoming steadily more critical of the Gorem-

ment. The attitude of the Associated Chambers of Commerce towards tho use of Orders-in-Council is an example. The annual report framed for presentation at the recent gathering in Christchurch quoted a deleme by the Government of its policy in respect to Orders-in-Council. and expressed the opinion that ‘‘it all the conditions laid down in the Minister’s letter ’ were carried out. ‘-the moderate application of the system might he defended.” The Minister of Finance had maintained that there were advantages in "incorporating in Statutes only a statement of the main principles of legislation, and the most important provisions, and delegating the power of modifying, extending and applying their operation in changed circumstances.” This gathering of business men. however, would accept neither this defence nor the report in which it was presented, and an amendment was carried unanimously expressing tho opinion that ‘‘all legislation by Order-iii-Council is improper and Orders-in-Council should be limited to the issue of such machinery clause or regulations as may be necessary to give oiled lo Acts of Parliament.” This may be going rather too far. but the practice against which tho protest was made involves a very real danger. Extension of government by Qrder-in-C'ouiicil really means a partial abrogation by Parliament of it, rights and duties, and tho placing of unrestricted power in the hands of Ministers and civil servants. It means that bureaucracy is invested with still more authority. "To delegate the flower of modifying or extending an Act to an official who was not in the House to sustain his reasons was taking a very great risk”—so said one delegate in words that emphasise the principle at stake. The Chambers of Commerce have done the country a service by their plain speaking. The Government will take as much power in this direction as it is allowed to take, and no class in the community is so likely lo check this abuse as the men of business who compose these organisations.