The Daily News. SATURDAY, JULY 1. THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 6, 1 July 1911, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, JULY 1. THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Sir William Hall-Jones, High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, will,' it is assumed, vacate that position when his extended term of office has expired. When Mr. Hall-Jones was given the position it was mentioned that he was m failing health. The obvious conclusion, theref ore, is that the High Commissionership was a position which would not exact so much physical and mental work as a portfolio in the New Zealand Ministry. It could also he assumed that the climate of London and its activities would be more beneficial than those of New Zealand. If at any time it lias been* alleged that New Zealand was not getting full value, from the work done in London by the High Commissioner and his staff, the excuse that Sir William Hall-Jones waa in poor physical health was advanced. We remember very well that Mr. Hall-Jones once told a New Zealand gathering that he did not care how soon he went out of politics, which was "Dead Sea fruit," but lie certainly tackled a job that calls for the greatest possible energy if it is to be adequately performed. Although Sir W. Hall-Jones lias during the whole time of his office been in imperfect health, it is only recently that there has been a.suggestion that he shall leave office because of this. The names mentioned in connection with the filling of the vacancy to be caused are those of Sir Joseph Ward and Sir John Findlay, K.C. In the case of the Premier, it seems almost impossible that he will become an absentee business man and landowner. His commercial interests are hero, and his emoluments in the London position could not be so great as they are in this country. It may be that he would accept the position, however, out of regard for the people of New Zealand, and in order to infuse as much vigor into New Zealand matters in London as Sir George Rcid infuses into things Australian. When Sir John Findlay, K.C, was called to lead the Upper House, he publicly stated that he was relinquishing much payable legal business to do so. The inference was' that lie had a sclf-abnegatory duty to the public to perform, In the exercise of which he was willing to forget his own interests. Therefore, should either of these gentlemen undertake the duty, it will be because they nobly desire to serve the people. Such altruism is not without precedent. Sir George Reid, K.C, abandoned one of the most lucrative legal practices in Australia in order to go to London to talk frozen beef, emigration, Imperialism and allied matters. We must, therefore, believe that High Commissioners and possible Hitch Commissioners do not consult their own feelings in these matters, but are guided by a sense of duty. If Sir Joseph Ward accepts .the position he abandons many interests dear to his heart, but worst of all lie departs from the people he loves so well. Indeed, he has denied the rumor that he will accept the position. If Sir J. G. Findlay becomes High Commissioner New Zealand will be robbed of its prized intimacy with a gentleman of brilliant gifts. The great legal firm of which he is the head will miss him, the Legislative Counoil will miss him, and the Savage Club will miss him. But if he conceives it his duty to work for the people of New Zealand in London, no personal considerations will deter him from adding lustre to the little nation that is so honored in his knighthood. It is perhaps a fortunate circumstance for New Zealand that Sir J. 0. Findlay, K.C.M.G., L.L.D., K.C, A.G., should have been prevailed upon to shed tlie light of his intellect on the Imperial Conference. As an.cinvestment for New Zealand it should return a handsome dividend.