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Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1928, Page 2

(hut Wellington correspondent writing this week on the general political outlook, went on to say that the commercial section of the community, especially, lias been asserting u measure of “independence” which would lie positively alarming were there any acceptable alternative to Reform. One of the positive grievances the business men of the “Queen City" have against Reform is tho failure of the Government to give effect to Mr Coates’ slogan of “I,ess Government in business and more business in Government.” It is suspected that the Prime Minister lias gone North largely for the purpose of allaying the local misgivings in this respect, and to make his peace with the disgruntled constituencies and the aggrieved members of his somewhat unwicldly parly. There is a rather formidable organisation afoot in regard to this subject. Not so long ago, a friendly deputation of influential supporters of the Government waited on tho Prime Minister, and the Atinistcr of Finance and although nothing was published, it is believed there was a heart to heart talk along lines, which made it plain that even among prominent supporters of Reform, there Wa:s a growing feeling of antagonism against the Government. Three years ago Air Coates felt impelled to coign his slogan, “less Government in business; more business in Government,” and there would appear to he more occasion for the precept to be lived up to now, as even among bis own rank and file there are serious' grumblings at the policy of the Government in force. Not only has the Prime ATinistcr gone north but the Minister of Finance is also in Auckland, and he too, is discussing economic problems with the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, an organisation which is very pronounced on the subject here referred to. Tho Government must give freer action to business development, with less interference and restriction under the authority of regulations. Government by regulation lias been rather overdone since the war period, when a measure of restrictive legislation was no doubt imperative for the public weal. Butin those times of public peace, the ordinary rules of supply and demand should have freer action. To impose restrictions on capital at this juncture is certainly very serious, and but tends to make industrial matters more and more acute. More freedom of action is certainly necessary, or we would not find busy business men getting together and taking the trouble of warning the Government against the line of policy pursued. If the policy of the Government is to frighten capital away or cause it to he diverted from industrial to other less profitable channels for the benefit of the community as a whole, it is high time the policy was revised. No doubt the strong representations now .Hieing made will have a useful effect in the direction intended for the protest is too influcitI tin! to ho ignored by the Government.