Technocracy.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 660, 13 January 1933, Page 6

Technocracy.

To the Editor. Dear Sir,—Surely Mr S. Dromgoole in writing to “ Touchstone ” and defining “ Technocracy ” as the science of measuring the standard of living is at fault. Such a definition would be completely meaningless in the context in which it was used* In any case the termination “ cracy " cannot be connected with the name of a science as he suggests, and I do not think that any reputable scientists, even American, would coin such an expression. The cablegram referred to the development of research and invention in the case of laboursaving devices as a means to increase employment, etc., which was contrary to the views expressed by advocates of a technocracy. That should dispose of Mr Drorngoole’s definition. The first portion of the word technocracy is derived from the Greek word meaning science and skill, and the second from the Greek verb to be strong, to rule, as in democracy, rule by or supremacy of the people; aristocracy, rule by the upper classes. Taking into consideration the context, I should suggest that technocracy is a word coined to describe the use of skilled labour as opposed to the use of more efficient machines -I am, etc., SELF-TAUGHT.