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Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1930, Page 4

Thu Commonwealth Government has used its power and privilege in securing the appointment of an Australian citizen art Governor-General of the Commonwealth. This action of course is largely a domestic matter, and follows the election Of a Labour Government, which likes to pose as ulfrademocratic. It Is hot really “cutting the painter,” which Australia in times past has hankered at doing, but it has severed an important link with the Motherland, which makes the departure not altogether acceptable, ft haF been the function of the Home Goveminent' through His Majesty to nproint the Crowd’s representative, and thereby there was a direct and independent representative of the King. New Zealand which delights in its loyalty to the Crown, has hud the services of a long and distinguished line of Governors. The choice has been, invariably, happy, and there would, we feel sure, be no genuine demand for any change from that enurfis. even thought it is open to the Dominion to follow the new practice of the Commonwealth. It appears to us that Sir Isaac Isaacs will not enjoy the same personal freedom of action as that of his predecessors appointed under the former well tried system. We do not know that' Australia liras occasion to question the choice of the King’s representative from the Motherland itself. It is true that the authority and prestige of the Governor for tho time being has its source, and brings bis credentials, and this u.TI not be possible with the local appomttee. Under the new system, the Governor-General holds a position analagous to the King, ibut not- being the direct of the King, it is conceivable that the appointee may not m fact represent the- King, whose deputy strictly he is. The former practice was for the King’s deputy to arrive from England charged with certain instructions and messages from His Majesty, and received as the King l-iim'setf would be received. It is not clear whether Sir Isaac Isaacs is to go Home for his instructions and letters patent, and then return to the familiar scenes and faces in Australia. If that course is to be followed, it Rounds rather like an anti-climax, and we mav be sure the reception on return will be robbed of much of the public interest and concern which otherwise would prevail. Probably, the Labour party considers it a great democratic stroke, but as there was nothing to mend about the old system, it seems all very futile and detracts m fact from .the importance of the high position pis it lias been regarded hitherto. Doubtless; a good apppointment has been made, but choice is limited in the colonies, and it is Conceivable in zealous paitv issues, a serious faux pas might ,be made.