THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 644, 23 September 1933, Page 4

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

Once again, according to Wellington reports, the recurring rumour is current that Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates may succeed Sir Thomas Wilford as the Dominion's representative in London. It is not suggested that Mr. Coates should act as High Commissioner, but that this office should be replaced, after the Australian example, by the appointment of p. resident minister with plenary powers. Mr. S. M. Bruce has proved particularly successful in this capacity for Australia and it is apparently hoped that Mr. Coates might prove similarly successful on behalf of the Dominion. Mr. Forbes has stated definitely that steps are to be taken to convert the New Zealand £5,000,000 short-dated loan whcn it falls due, but this alone would hardly provide sufficient scope for Mr. Coates' energy. There is no doubt that if Mr. Coates could repeat Mr. Bruce's success the appointment would be worth while, but it must be remembered that New Zealand's ; indebtedness in London does not j offer the same opportunities for j conyersion as did fhat of Australia. There will, of course, .be two schools of thought as to whether New Zealand would gain or lose by Mr. Coates' departure, but from both schools there will be opposition on the score of expense. I'he maintenance of a resident minister with the appropriate trappings will entail additional expense and in this connection it may be pointed out that New Zealand has already had three ministers abroad this year, a jaunting which has entailed a considerable expendi- ! ture. It may reasonably be arg- j ued that any negotiations which j could be conducted in London j with benefit to the Dominion i should have been conducted by ( Messrs. Forbes and Masters dur- ; ing their recent visit while Mr. ! Coates had the advantage of his i Ottawa trip with the contacts ] with Empire statesmen which it ; afforded. It has even been suggested that if a minister is to be established in London, Mr. Mas- j ters might conveniently have j been left behind instead of re- ; turning with Mr. Forbes. er ' It is stated that Sir Thomas j Wilford has definitely intimated that he does not wish appointment for a further term so that something must be done with regard to the Dominion's London representation before the end of the year. Sir Thomas has been a particularly able commissioner and has done a great deal to extend the Dominion's trade markets at Home. Mr. Coates should not scorn to follow in his footsteps. It is essential at the present time, when the Dominion's relations with manufacturers and primary producers at. Home are not as satisfactory as they might be, that the Dominion should be well represented in London. The situation, although not exactly critical is delicate and will require careful handling by Sir Thomas Wilford's successor. The Coalition leaders have repeatedly assured the1 country of the happy relations existing within the party, but in spite of that fact, it is doubtful whether the Reform section would view with equanimity a proposal to deprive them of their leader for a term of three years. It will be surprisiiig for party reasons, if for nothing else, if Mr. Coates accepts any position in Lpndon and it will be almost equally surprising if Mr. Forbes permits his right-hand irian, Mr. Masters, to

* i be removed for the^ame purpose. Mr. Masldrs, in many1 quarters, is believed to be ihe power behind the throne in the United camp and it is doubtful whether the party would be able to do without his support for an extended period. Under the circumstances, the question of the Dominion's London representation remains very much in the air. The only thing definite about it is that Sir Thomas Wilford will not act for a further term and that a new London representative will have to be] found.