MODERN BUSINESS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 47, 18 November 1932, Page 7

MODERN BUSINESS

Training in Methods INSTITUTE FORMED J. Chamber of Commerce Move It was suggested at the meeting called on Wednesday evening for the purpose of forming a New Zealand Institute of Commerce that old commercial methods should go into the melting pot. A close scrutiny of the equipinent of business, it was stated, should be, made in order to bring it into line with pre-sent-day and future requirements. The meeting to discuss the formation of the institute was called by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce,, Mr. J. Pearce Luke presiding over an attendance of about 20. Mr. 11. Amos, who brought forward the proposal, referred to the conference of the International Society for Commercial Education held in London, at which was emphasised the necessity of co-operation between leaders of commerce and educationists in order to find a solution to present troubles. Mr. Amos said other chambers of commerce in New Zealand had not followed the example set by Wellington in 1029 in initiating examinations in commercial subjects, but it was just as well, as there might have been four different standards of examination and some overlapping. The Associated Chambers of Commerce, said Mr. Amos, was unlikely to move in the matter, but if the Wellington chamber approved and was prepared to recommend the formation of a New Zealand Institute of Commerce to the other three centres, the scheme could be put into operation in the New Year. The Director of Education had given a sympathetic hearing to the proposal. If examinations were not a test of knowledge, they were usually a test of presistent effort and diligence, testing the ability of the candidate to express his ideas on paper. Business wisdom called in addition for sound judgment in applying and using knowledge. Leader and Salesman. An institute of commerce would be of great assistance to the business community, said Mr. Amos, for although there were private and public schools catering for the requirements of the stenographer and the book-keeper, there were no facilities, public or private, for the two more essential groups, the creative leader and the skilful salesman. Mr. Amos proceeded to state the requirements for the formation of a New Zealand Institute of Commerce, which included a branch in each of the four capital cities, with committees, examination syllabuses, arrangements for examinations, issue of certificates and diplomas, and the appointment of officers. He put forward suggestions for three classes of membership, and the lines on which finance should be raised. There should be no conflict with the New Zealand University or any other educational organisation. He moved the formation of a New Zealand Institute of Commerce on the lines indicated, and that an advisory committee be set up to formulate a complete scheme embodying a constitution, examination syllabus, etc., and report in a fortnight’s time. Mr. ’E. R. Render seconded the motion. Overhaul Business Equipment. Mr. J. 8. Barton, S.M., said he had always been interested in commercial education, and 30 years ago took an active part in the formation of the New Zealand Society of Accountants, v.hich formulated the examination of that body. In the last two years he had come to the conclusion that the work of that society and its examination syllabus should go into the melting-pot. Present conditions, continued Mr. Barton, and the requirements of the future demanded that a very close examination should be made of the equipment of business. There was need for an educational movement on those lines, and on the lines of the report of the conference in London. Mr. Barton said the failure of the economic system to-day was the root cause of the present depression. He referred to the growth of State trading concerns and the public service, and the fact that the finance of the country had become more complicated. Referring to commerce, the speaker said there was. the unavoidable tendency to force an increasing proportion of the country’s available resources, capital and business energy Into uneconomic luxury lines. He agreed with the proposal, for there was a need to educate our young people to future commercial needs. • Industrial Psychology. An address on “Industrial Psychology” was given by Professor C. E. Beeby, lecturer on this subject at. Canterbury College. He said that the industrial .and commercial . training given in New Zealand was superior on the whole to that of England and America. In many factories in America staffs of psychologists wore engaged on personal and material factors. Foremen were trained to understand the human machine as well as the mechanical factor, a course that was full of possibilities, as if a foreman possessed that knowledge production and output benefited by the improved human as well as mechanical values. The speaker stated that efficiency in business and commerce was largely a matter of starting right, and a step in that .direction could be made by the educational idea entering into the business, office and factory,' and it could be done in no better way than had been suggested. Commerce would not get anywhere in New Zealand unless the necessary training was given. The motion was carried, the committee to consist of those present.