EFFICIENCY BOARD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17090, 23 August 1917, Page 6

EFFICIENCY BOARD

PROBABLE ACCEPTANCE OF

RESIGNATION.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, August 22. The resignation of the members of the National Efficiency Board will be considered by Cabinet either on Saturday or Monday next, and, judging by the temper of members of the Government, there is little doubt that it will be accepted. Tho attitude of the members of the Cabinet is that tlicy cannot allow two governments to run the cou -i'y. Tho suggestion that tho members of tho Efficiency Board should be appointed to the Legislative Council need not be taken seriously. There is stated to bo nothing further from tho mind of the Government.

Members of the Government recognise that two great mistakes have been made, first the giv ; ng of too many powers to tho fcjfnciency Board in the first place, and second, the laying of reports by the board on the table of the House. It is believed to have been simply due to the badgering pf members of the House of Representatives and of the press and the public that reP ? -Tt tho board were laid on the tablo °| . ouse ' an d from tho point of view ?l , v n,st<?r ® so .great has been the evil that has arisen in consequence that thov havo been repenting of their action ever 6lnc f- If . n board goes out of office its works will live behind it, for a number of reports by it aro in the hands of tho Government, and can be utilised for the preparation of legislation at any time.

UESOLimON RTSGRET FROM

HASTINGS. (Peb United Press Association.;

d , HASTINGS, August 22. Regret was voiced by the Chamber of Commerce that circumstances had arisen necessitating the Efficiency Board handin" in their resignation, which, if acceptecf would be a calamity, as the men composing it were some of fcho soundest and most capable business men in tho dominion. Tho following resolution was passed:

That this chamber view with alarm the report that She Efficiency Board are about to resign, and urge upon the Government the great importance of retain ing the _services of the gentlemen wlio composed the board, together witli the boards of trustees, which have been organised throughout tho dominion.