THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1507, 1 August 1912, Page 4

THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP.

Tiie appointment of Mr. T. Mackenzie as High Commissioner to represent the Dominion in London will be more popular throughout the uouutry—where lie is less known— than it will be in Parliamentary circles—where it may be said he is best known. Mk. Mackenzie has been singularly fortunate in his public career ;, a great deal more lucky that his merits deserved. He deserted the party he bad attached himself to for years in order to throw in his lot with the parly in power; and was fortunate enough to be almost at- once chosen in preference to many old and faithful followers of the party for Ministerial olliee. Later on, when Sn: Joseph Ward retired from the leadership of the party Mr. Mackenzie again attained unexpected prominence, and was chosen as leader. Now, after his early defeat in that capacity, and on his compulsory retirement into the cold shades of Opposition, his political rivals come to the rescue and offer him the highest office in the Public Service of Ihe country. It. rerluinlv does seem better tor a politician in New Zealand fo-dav to be born lucky rather Ihnn to be deserving. Mn. Mackenzie, if, mustbe admitted, possesses some of the qualities required in a High Commitsioiier for a country such as ours |

o is; and lie has had the benefit of e experience in an important Departincut of State which should prove 11 very useful to him in his n;iv olliee. y lint: even .so, we cannot profess to - experience any great amount of satn i.sl'action over I lie selection made, r Tlii' Government will 110 doubt rey ceive due credit for generous trcato ment of a beaten opponent, and s they can niake out a very fair case r in favour of the appointment; but v Mi;. Mackenzie is hardly likely to ii carry the weight which the holder of i- the olliee should carry in London, f He will probably prove quite as sucS eessful as his predecessor, and in j some respects will certainly put more - life into the Department under his control; but it is difficult, to credit t that lie was the most suitable, peril son available for this highly import- ? ant post.