AUSTRALIA HOUSE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 13 January 1931, Page 2

AUSTRALIA HOUSE

UNREST AMONG STAFF SIR G. RYRIE’S'POSITION LONDON, 2nd January. While the British Government has appointed High Commissioners to Canada and South Africa with almost ambassadorial status, and while those Dominions and New Zealand are reciprocating by strengthening their position in London, Australia’s new Dominions status seems very uncertain. Knowledge of the unrest and disorganisation at Australia House is not confined to Australian circles.

It is generally accepted that the function "of the High Commissioner, Sir Granville Eyrie, is little more than to see out his term, which has nearly two years to run. Internally, the real direction of Australia House is in the hands of the financial adviser, Mr J. R. Collins. Externally, Sir Granville represents Australia at social functions, makes speeches, and is treated with kindly silence by the British Press. This year, for the first- time, the High Commissioner did not attend the Assembly of the League of Nations.. Various Australia House officials syndicate the executive and diplomatic v?oH?,' which, in the case of other Dominions, falls on the shoulders of the High Commissioners, who are the direct representatives of their Governments, are constantly associated with international, diplomatic, and commercial developments, and sometimes even have mandates from their Cabinets.