STRONG PROTEST

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 152, 19 February 1932, Page 4

STRONG PROTEST

(Preas. Assn.-

ECONbiMISTS; CMTEE. j INCLUSION OF PROF. COPLAND AND EXCLUSION OF PROF. MURPHY AUCKLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

— By TelegTaph- — Giftpyrlght).

AUCKLAND, Thursday. The exclusion of Professor B. E: Murjphy, senior professor of economics in the University of NeW Zealand, from the EcononiistsV Conference, and the inclusion of Dr. D. B. Copland, of the UniVeTsity of Melbourne, were criticised at a meeting of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce to-day. A letter was received from Mr. W. A. Boucher, who said, inter alia: "It is well kpown that Dr. Copland has very strong- views in favour of high rates of exchange, obviously hased on the condition of the finances of his bwn country and not upon the conditions existing in this country. Professor Murphyy.as senior professor of economics to the University of New Zealand, has undoubtedly made a study of New Zealand conditions, and I feel it is quite possible that the committee appointed hy the Government was not impartially chosen. If this should prove to be the eaSe, I think that the Chambers of Commerce should protest. Unfortunately one section of the community is in my opinion, endeavouring at this late date, to launch this country upon a scheme which can only add very considerably to the troubles already in existence." "Partisan Views" "Mr. Boucher has raised a point which has occurred to us all," said Mr. A. G. Lunn. "If there is to be a commission it should be impartial." Mr. Lunn moved that : "If the Government is to seek the advice and assistance of commissions to assist in forming its views it is desirable that such commissions should be impartial. In the ease of the Eeonomists' Committee, there seems doubt whether this principle has been observed, in that, the commission does not include Professor B. E. Murphy, the senior professor of economics in New Zealand; and it does include Professor Copland, who has conducted'a lecture tour in which he has strongly expressed his partisan views." Mr. E. A. Brown: Ought we to ui'ge that there should be no professors on these commissions? They have had no practical experience. Mr. F. H. Leonard: Quite right. Mr. H. Turner thought that the Government might have considered in selecting Professor Copland, that they wero securing new thought in the matter. His views were well known, but in Mr. Turner's opinion, a man who was known to be in the opposite camp, was valuable. His views stimulated thought. After further discussion the motion Was carried.