The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1908. OUR NEXT HIGH COMMISSIONER

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2257, 31 July 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1908. OUR NEXT HIGH COMMISSIONER

When referring, tlio other day, to the resignation of Mr. W. P. Reeves as High Commissioner, we pointed out the need for an entire re-organ-isation of tlio London office, and expressed tlio Lope that in order to bring this about the Government should not bo permitted to make the position in, any way a reward for political services. Yet, if rumor is to be Credited, there is a grave danger that something of tlio kind is likely to eventuate. The lion. Mr. Hall■Jones’s name has been liientijoned most prominently in this connection and, assuming that the position were offered to that gentleman, one could only conclude that the honor was being accorded him, not because of ally special fitness for tlio position, but because he had “earned a comfortable billet.” This is precisely the 'kind of thing that should be avoided at all cost. It is not a politician who is wanted to represent us in Britain, but a shrewd business man who has proved himself to bo possessed, not only of energy and ability, but also of the power of organisation. The present Minister of Railways and Public Works has shown himself to be one of the most conscientious Ministers we have had in the public service for a considerable period. Under the Seddon regime bis abilities were to some extent dwarfed, but it is now recognised that his efficiency as an administrator is of a much higher standard than had generally been supposed. All tlio same, no one would oxpect the member for Tiniaru to take up the arduous task of re-organising an obsolete department so that it shall bold .its own in competition with those of the enterprising Canadians, to say nothing of those from other colonies. Particularly must this bo the case in view of the Minister’s health. If this would not stand the anxieties and worries of Ministerial duties in New Zealand, how is it likely to fare in the city of “The Big Smoke ” The Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones is entitled to every reasonable consideration from tlio people of New Zealand, but he has neither the originality nor the constructive abilty necessary for the duties of High Commissioner, and from the point of view of his own health lie would bo unwise to accept the position even if it were offered to him. To our mind, the most eligible person in tlio Dominion at the present time is Mr. T. E. Donne, tlio present head of the Tourist Department, and if political considerations arc set on one side lie is bound to receive serious consideration. When touching upon the general question, the other day, we referred to the evils of being represented by absentees, tlio present High Commissioner and his staff being entirely out of touch with New Zealand and its people. We pointed out that not only the High Commissioner, but every member of his staff should themselves bo New Zealanders, who could speak with direct and Intimate knowledge upon any question concerning which intending immigrants might desire information. In this and other respects Mr. Donne appears to be particularly eligible. He is- himself n New Zealander born who has grown up amongst us with all .the instincts of a colonial, and the patriotism for his own country that should be associated with the distinction of 6uch an office. At the same time he has travelled sufficiently to get a sound grip of the Old World and its people and their methods. His work in New Zealand is well known to the Government and the results are a sufficient testimony to his worth. After a lengthy experience- .in the railway service, Mr. Donne was placed at the head of the Tourist Department and tlio manner in which he has, under most discouraging conditions, created and developed that branch of the Government service, is one of the most striking facts that have eomo to light In connection •wrtli any of our public services,

To the mind of tlio average person tlioro was no reasonable foundation to work on. "With other Departments always crying out lor money every penny devoted to the Tourist division bad literally to bo dragged from Parliament. “Spending money on tourists” wim novor a popular theme, but by his quiet persistency and infinite tact, Mr. Doniio overcame all obstacles and, as a rule, had his own way. Tlio Department is still criticised, but those who gave any consideration to the matter have to admit that it not only pays over and over for the money spent upon it, but, is doing invaluable work in making the Dominion, known to the outside world. Under Mr. Donne the iiianageniont of the Tourist Department has long been the envy of the Australian States who have frequently found it (convenient to follow the lend given, as well as tlio admiration of all visitors. Jlosidc.s being a mail of exceptional, enorgy and the possessor of an infinite, capacity for hard work - . Mr. Donne has a most attractive personality which lias made him one oJ the must popular representatives New Zealand lias sent away. This was strikingly shown at, the World’s Fair in St. Louis where lie acted as Chief Commissioner for New Zealand with signet success, mid tliero is every reason. to believe that, both in tlio business and social world of the English metropolis this rare charm of manner would be of extreme value' in the conduct of liis duties. As already mentioned, tlio chief mission of our next High Commissioner should bo to placo the New Zealand office in London on a fresh footing as tlio centre of an up-to-date immigration bureau, and .in this respect Mr. Donno’s experience as head of our Tourist Department which has kept in direct touch with the people in all parts of the world would undoubtedly stand him in good stead. There may, of course, be others with reasonable claims ,to consideration, but at tho moment it certainly seems to us that from the point of viow of natural qualifications and special training the gentleman who is at present making arrangements for tho entertainmentof tho American Hoot in Auckland, is the most eligible to occupy tho great distinction of representing New Zealand as its High Commissioner in London.