HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 March 1922, Page 1

HIGH COMMISSIONER.

COMPLAINTS AGAINST OFFICE

SIR, JAMES ALLEN’S REPLY WELLINGTON, March 15

Recently there ha s been considerable adverse criticism by individuals and tho Press about the New Zealand High Commissioner’s Office in London. It has been stated by visitors from England and by New Zealanders visiting London that the office is not up-to-date in its information about New Zealand, and that often the information given is inaccurate. The reason for this, it is alleged, is that not a sufficient number of New Zealanders with up-to-date knowledge of the country are employed in the office. In reply to the latter phase of the criticism, Sir James Alien lias forwarded a memorandum to the Government, in which he states that the policy of the Government is being fulfilled in a marked degree by staffing the offioo with New Zealanders wherever practicable. He mentions that actual appointments since August Ist, 1920, when he took charge numbered 20, and half of these were New Zealanders. “What,” be adds, ‘‘is more striking is the fact that their positions and salaries are in every case much higher than those of the British clerks, the latter in every case being for subordinate positions of clerks, typists and cadets. There must, of course be some limit in these matters, as to staff the office entirely with New Zealanders would not be economical, and further, might result in unfavourable comment in this country (Britain) on tho exclusion of British-born people from the service of a colonial Government in this country. It also does not follow that a New Zealand training is the best and most suitable for all positions in the Department, a s the knowledge and experience gained in this country is often of a most valuable nature and more suitable to the conditions here. Further, it is requisite that all members of the clerical staff should have reasonable grounds for hoping and expect-ing ) if their abilities and experience warrant, to attain in time to one of the senior positions or other appointments closely approximating thereto.”