VALUE OF CRITICISM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21473, 22 April 1933, Page 13

VALUE OF CRITICISM

PUBLIC MEN'S PREFERENCE BLAME .BETTER THAN NEGLECT "Of course, we could all do Mr. Coates' job much better than he is doing it," said Mr. J. A. C. Allum, in introducing the Minister of Finance, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, at yesterday's luncheon meeting of the Auckland Creditmen's Club. "However," added Mr. Allum, "if we had;' to do it we might not be prepared to face up to the position. We must all realise the very heavy responsibility the Government is carrying in these difficult times." Replying, Mr. Coates. said public men liked criticism. If that criticism were favourable, he began to wonder u hat was to follow. Even criticism that was "close to the border" was better than nothing at all. The worst thing that could happen to a public man was to be forgotten. "They say we have thick skins," said Mr. Coates. "I do not think that is so. Some criticism does hurt, but if a man has a public duty to perform there is only one thing to do. Having investigated a situation and having come to the decision he believes to be right, irrespective of any consideration, he must do his duty faithfully to thoso who entrusted him with the performance of that duty."