THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 239, 12 October 1908, Page 2

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

HON. W. HALL-JONES’ APPOINTMENT. THE PREMIER INTERVIEWED [Special to “Times.”]

WELLINGTON, Oct. 10. “There is little or nothing that I can say, further than what 1 have already stated in the House,” said the Premier, when interviewed regarding the High Commissioner-ship by a representative of the “Dominion.’' It was too early yet to say anything regarding the future of tlio office. Mr Hall-Jones would bo leaving New Zealand in time to take vip duty in London early in January. “Yes,’’ he said, “I shall bo sorry to lose my colleague. He has been a very hardworking and a very useful colleague in every way. In his special portfolio he held valuable qualifications that eminently fitted him for tiie work. Personally I feel very sorry at the prospect of his departure. He has been a member of tlio-House for many years, since 1896, I believe, and he has also had a long association with ’the Ministry. The Hon. AV. Hall-Jones, : who had returned, to his private office in the buildings immediately -after the announcement and who had there remained the greater part of 'the night, received congratulations from many of his friends. He. declined, to be interviewed regarding any future intentions Ihe might have. It is certain tho Minister will not stand for the Timaru seat, at the coming eleclion.It is almost certain, too, that the Government candidate will be an old friend of tlihe Minister’s, Mr Jaffi Craigie, for - several years Mayor of Timaru. Air Craigie would have sought political honors long ere" this had not -liis friendship for Air HallJones prompted liim to avoid the contest;

The removal from active politics of the. Hon. Hall-Jones will necessitate the . appointment -of another -"Minister, hut nothing will he done until after the elections. The members of Parliament generally seem to have little united opinion as to who the candidates will be, especially the selected one. ,