THE GOVERNMENT AND DIRECTORSHIPS. [TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR. "1
SIR,—I have read your article in your issue of April 26th with interest. But I do think there is another point of view from that which you put forward, while I acknowledge there is a great deal to be said for your view of the matter. I am not quite clear as to how wide you classify " director of any industrial association," but I hold it would be of great advantage to the conduct of the affairs of this nation if men who were more closely associated with ordinary business and financial concerns of the present day had a responsible say in the conduct of the business of the country apart from political party considerations. I am no party politician myself, but I believe the manner in which the finances of this country are conducted suffers very much because the choice of those who can conduct them is so limited that those who may be said to be in everyday touch with large financial matters are excluded on account of holding directorships of concerns which are above reproach, and which would not have a director unless he held a position in the commercial world which merited confidence of the utmost uprightness. I cannot agree with you that the rule you advocate would "in no way deprive the Cabinet of the services of bona fide business men." I think experience has shown the reverse to be the case, and it is most desirable that, at all events, the finance of the country should be conducted on a sounder business basis, and one that should enhance and not depreciate the investments of this Empire.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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