HIGH COMMISSIONER

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1920, Page 1

HIGH COMMISSIONER

THE NEW APPOINTMENT. Tlie Prime Minister stated definitely last Monday that the High Commiss:oner (Sir Thomas Mackenzie) would relinquish his position on July 31st next. His appointment has already been extended to that date. He will be succeeded by the present Minister of Defnce, who will reach London by July 31st or very soon afterwards. Air Massey mentioned that some reorganisation of tiie High Commissioner’s office in London is being undertaken. The Government intends to bring the office into closer touch with the Dominion than has been the case in the past, and with that object in view it will send some civil servants from the Dominion to Loudon. It is intended that transfers shall be made frequently in future, in order that the subordinate officers who handle Now Zealand business in London shall have recent Dominion experience.

The Minister of Defence will require to leave New Zealand before the next session of Parliament. His departure will leave various matters of defence policy to be bandied by life successor in office. Sir Thomas Mackenzie intends to return to Now Zealand, and he is expected to reach the Dominion in August, rt was stated some time ago- that he might re-enter New Zealand politics but his immediate intention is to attend to private business. He has held the High CommissioiuTship for nearly oig i rears.