The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED DAILY. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1930. BUSINESS IN GOVERNMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXX, Issue 11130, 13 February 1930, Page 4

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED DAILY. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1930. BUSINESS IN GOVERNMENT.

An interesting discussion is precoed ing throughout tlie Domiuion auent a suggestion made by Mr AV. Muchin in an address to members of tlie Auckland Chamber of Commerce. It was contended bj' him that it ■Would be a good thing if the government more freely sought advice in commercial circles on various problems confronting it. On its part, the X.Z. Herald holds that the idea is impracticable and that what is needed is that the commercial community should place in Parliament representatives who could exert a positive influence upon legislation and administration. “Surely,” it remarks, “it -is time to'recognise that business in Government will be established only when men with business brains and business experience are placed in Parliament and in tiie Ministry.” Parliament, as at present constituted, cannot, it will be agreed, be claimed to be strongly representative of the business interests of the Dominion. Put can anything lie done to secure a substantial improvement in that particular direction ? The X.Z. Taxpayers’ Association, in turn, lias also been considering the point, ft says: ‘Hu tlie present House of Representatives, tlie re are no more than eight members who by, any stretch of courtesy, can be regarded as essentially men with business brains and business experience P All represent city seats and only one was returned by a- majority of the votes polled in his constituency and this lucky individual encountered only one opponent.” It seems that, of the others, the highest percentage was 47.01 and the lowest only 30.50. Such being the case, the X.Z. Taxpayers’ Association suggests that it is easy to call out for more “business in Government;” hut what is needed is some indication as to

what means should be employed to achieve such a desirable end. The criticism on Mr Mach in's proposal.

it will be agreed, provides lio proof that it is impracticable. On the contrary, what is shown is that it would

bio futile to' rely on the electors to return a substantial number of “heady” businessmen to Parliament! its it so happens, there is an excellent precedent to support the principle that, at a time oi emergency, it is a wise step for a Government to invoke the aid of business brains outside Parliament. Wc refer to, the action of the ' Home •. Government}’ at tho outset, of: the Great War, in going to the length' of appointing noted business men even to the positions, of Honorary dMCinisters! In this Dominion, the' Coates Government displayed wisdom in convening what is known as the Industrial Conference. True it is that the results were not great, hut if tho present Government had reconvened the . conference, very successful results might have accrued. The present Government has, however, recently consulted, leading business men, industrial leaders, etc., in connection' with the unemployment problem and the Hon. W. A. Vcitch is the authority for the statement that their advice has proved most helpful. Seemingly, the practice will, in the future, bo: more. widely adopted.