Should Interest Themselves In Politics

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 236, 6 October 1938, Page 9

Should Interest Themselves In Politics

MR. K. A, HENDERSON'S ADVICE TO BUSINESSMEN “Business executives should take an interest in polities," stated Mr. K. A. Henderson, representing the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce, when speaking at the annual dinner in Paljnerston North on Tuesday evening of the Manawatu Sub-Chapter of the Institute of Secretaries. “It is apparent to me/' nc continued, ‘•that the failure of businessmen to take a proper interest in politics, resulted in the election of tnc Socialistic Government three years agy. The Reform Government, at the commencement of the depression, was facca with many new and grave problems, on which the advice of the business world would have been very beneficial, but politics in New . Zealand had been developed without the co-operation of the business world. We had all been content to vote our member to Parliament, then return to our business and not take any interest in I what Parliament was doing, until legislation was introduced by Mr. Coates and his party which we considered detrimental to our interests. Mr. Coates, in his difficulties, instead of turning to business-men for advice, turned to his Socialistic secretaries. “It has always occurred to me that there should be a committee of senior business men in Wellington, to whom Cabinet can turn for advice, and who should have ready access to Cabinet. This procedure, I understand, Is followed in London, and will, I trust, be followed in New Zealand, if the National Government is returned to power next week. “Through tho efforts of some very enterprising young men, who cal! themselves the ‘Tell New Zealand Party,* a committee of senior business-men was formed at a meeting in Wellington recently, attended by Mr. Hamilton. This committee is to form a National Development Council, and I trust that the council will be consulted by Cabinet and have free access to the Cabinet consultations to the betterment of our legislation.* 9