THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 323, 9 October 1908, Page 6

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

The Prime Minister is not displaying any undue haste to make known' the choice of the Cabinet in the matter of tho High Commissionership. 'It is expected that Parliament .will close its doors to-morrow, and Sir Joseph Ward promised to make an announcement on the subject before the session ended, so that he has little time left. Meanwhile rumour has been busy forestalling the Ministerial selection. Mr. Hall-Jones, who was regarded as having first claim on the position, 1 has informed his constituents that he intends to seek re-elec-tion as member for Timaru. This would seem to' indicate that he is not likely to go to England, but there are many who still cling to tho idea that he will be tho new High Commissioner. Dr. Findlay's name has been mentioned as a possible candidate; and, it has also been stated that the Chief Justice, Sir Robert Stout, might be induced to take the office. Others have been spoken of, but the Prime Minister's reticence seems rather to uphold the view that a member of the present Cabinet will be appointed. It is easy to understand that with so many claimants in the ranks of the Government following for the first vacant portfolio, Sir Joseph Ward would prefer to postpone any announcement which would mean a vacancy in tho Cabinet. With members away from Wellington and fully occupied with their election campaigns, ho would escape much of the embarrassment arising, out of the pressing of tho claims of aspirants to Ministerial office, and he might even postpone making the selection of a new Minister until after the elections.' Whether this course would meet with the approval of members is open to question, but the Prime Minister appears to hold the whip-hand in the matter, and may be expected to act as best suits his purpose.