THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 144, 14 March 1939, Page 8

THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER

Among people who take only a passing interest in the changing structure and development of the British Commonwealth of Nations there has been considerable confusion concerning the position and duties of the British High Commissioner in New Zealand, The question was answered very simply by Sir Harry Batterbee, the m st holder of the office, on his arrival in Wellington on Saturday, My job,” he said, “is to be ambassador of the United Kingdom in New Zealand in the same way as Mr. Jordan is ambassador of New Zealand in the United Kingdom.” Inter-commlmication between Governments has been remarkably speeded up by the development of longdistance telephony. The benefit of this was realized by the public on the occasions of the British constitutional crisis and abdication, and the international crisis of September last, when constant communications were maintained between the United Kingdom and Dominion Governments, and daily bulletins issued. On other matteis of . tati routine the same facilities have been available. Long-distance communication, however, can never be as effective as personal, on-the-spot discussions. This defect supplies, in part, the </ ctre 0,l Sir Harry Batterbee’s appointment. In addition, as his own desci iption suggests, the post carries with it responsibilities largely similar to those of British ambassadorships in European, capitals. These embassies not only are the channels of communication and representations between Governments, but are also the interpreters to their own Governments of political and other events and trends in the countlies to which thev are attached. In welcoming the United Kingdom’s first ambassadorial representative, S r Harry Batterbee, the New Zea'aud people will hope sincerely that he will find his sojourn in this Britam-beyond-the-Seas an agreeable and enjoyable experience, and of benefit hot i to New Zealand and to his own country.