THE EFFICIENCY BOARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16624, 22 August 1917, Page 6

THE EFFICIENCY BOARD

TENTATIVE RESIGNATION.

CABINET DECISION AWAITED [by TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL correspondent.}

WELLTKGTON. Tuesday. Information regarding the relations existing between the National Efficiency Board and the Government was sought by Mr. L. M. Isitt (Christchurch North) in the House of Representatives to-day. He asked whether the Prime Minister would tell the House what the position was, and whether he could give any assurance that the services of the board might be retained.

The Prime Minister, in reply, said that th 9 resignation of the board was in the hands of the Minister for Defence, bat there was an understanding between Sir James Allen and the members of the board that he would hold it over until the Cabinet had had an opportunity of considering the position as between the Government and the board. A few days ago he had had a very long interview with members of the Efficiency Board, and had done his level best to induce them to reconsider the position, but, he was afraid, without very much success. " When the Government has had an opportunity of considering the matter," added Mr. Massey, "its decision will be communicated to the board, and then the final decision will rest with the members of the board." PARLIAMENTARY CRITICS. MR. GUNSON IN REPLY. "I notice it is reported to have been stated in the House of Representatives that the position of the National Efficiency , Board is an impossible one, and that the members were criticising and attacking the Government," said Mr. J. H. Gunson, Auckland representative on the board, yesterday. " This is a serious reflection on the members, and as far as the Auckland representative is concerned, and, I believe, equally so with the other members, it is entirelv contrary to fact, and a totally unjust suggestion." Mr. Gunson said it had been, and was still, the one aim of all £he members of the board to render the greatest assistance possible to evervone concerned in connection with their work in furtherance of the national welfare. This, he reclared, was not a time for criticism or attack, but for activity and work on behalf of the public interests, which. At present, were so important.