HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 186, 28 July 1908, Page 4

HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP.

THE I'RE.UIEII QUESTIONED. •A NEW ZEALAND RESIDENT." "-Who is to bo tlie High Coinmissioiivr's successor J" everyone in Parliament is asking, ami the general answer is, "The Hon. \V. Hall-Jones," though as Cabinet cannot possibly have-hail lime to consider the matter since the receipt of the news, the statement is only a guess, indicating who, in the opinion of most ]ieo|>le, is Die most likely New Zcalandcr to lill that high ami important position. Sir Joseph Ward was interviewed by. a Times representative, who- suggested that in view of the recent appointment of tin- lion. \V. i'. Hooves as High Commissioner, the news o£ his resignation came as a surprise. AN HONOR. TO NEW ZEALAND..

I "No,'' answered Sir Joseph, "I would like to say that Mr. Ilccvcs has acted most honorably and considerately so tar as the (lovernmenl is concerned, and his resignation did not come as a surprise, as I. had lately received intimation from him as to the"possibility of the position boinjs secured by him. It is one, I am sure? anyone of his high attainments might covet,and it is unnecessary lor me to "say that he is remarkably well qualilied for the special work of economic writing and'teaching. It is a source >! tU'oat gratification to me, as it must be to bis friends, that ono of the most_ influential and creditable positions in Kilobaud has come the way of our distinguished New Zoalandcr. That such a position is sought by the brightest minis, and most intellectual students of the Old Country we know, and his selection is one of the moH eloquent compliments that could be paid to indicate the high esteem ill which he is held as a student and writer of economics. In this department it would bo dillicult to find bis superior, and, moreover, it is a position in which he will lie able, to do service to his country in placing our economic system, in so far as it. ilill'ers .'-vein that of the Old World, forcibly and inipartiallv before Of-at Britain and Europ'.' I.n'rd llothseliild. explained Sir •!"-

«pli one of the most inllueiitial men in England, was President and Governor of the Hoard.

•■Ves. I hope a New Zealand resident will be selected as the successor to Air. Reeves." said the Premier in answer H> a further question. "The position is a difficult one to till, and the Government cannot lie expected to come to a conclusion without niature deliberation.'' At an early date'; . "There is no immediate hurry, as Mr. Ileeves holds the po-itiou until the end n' October, and his successor cannoi be appointed , m til thai dale. It may be neceoary for him to act after lie retires from the position until bis successor arrives. Ido not see how the new High Commissioner could get there before the middle or end of December."