HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 52, 19 July 1912, Page 5

HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP.

SOME SPECULATIONS. By Telegraph—Parliamentary Reporter. Wellington, Last Night. It is officially announced by the Prime Minister that the Cabinet has not yet reached consideration of the question of the High Commissioner. It will, however, do so at the earliest possible moment. As a matter of fact, the present and future prosperity of New Zealand depend very largely on the High Commissioner, or rather on the choice of the Government in that connection. To the High Commissioner is entrusted the all-important work of keeping New Zealand in the forefront of public affairs. If he lags behind in that respect New Zealand suffers. If he fails to keep the Government in full touch with the things that matter the Dominion will suffer. If he has not the faculty of advertising the Dominion in the best and most comprehensive manner he will, to' that extent, be not only an expense, but a hindrance to the country he represents. It is not easy to .suggest a person who would be capable of fulfilling the duties devolving 011 the holder of such an office,, but certain names have been suggested and their possibilities may as well be considered. Sir William Russell i.s the general tip of the man in the street. No one knows why, except that lie is an ex-leader of the old Opposition, lie has a pleasant, genial, kindly presence, is an after-dinner speaker of renown, and accustomed to move in what are generally regarded as the best circles. As to business, lie knon-j probably as much as the proverb! ■! cow knows about a holiday, and it is for business that the High Commissioner is wanted.

The Chief Justice, Sir Robert Stout, is another suggested applicant for the position. The suggestion does not appear reasonable, although it is probable that certain members of the Government would be glad to get rid of him, so as to make room for some other aspirant to the high office that he holds. In addition he is regarded as a man too theoretical to make a success of such a highly practical department as that of the High Commissioner's office, and is not likely to make a success of the position.

Hie most persistent report is that the Hon. T. Mackenzie is to be selected. In many respects Mr. Mackenzie is well fitted for the position. He has a thorough knowledge of the trade requirements of the Dominion. For years lie represented leading companies in New Zealand at the centre of the Empire, and acquired a whole heap of information, which should stand him in good stead if lie reached the highest position. In addition lie has a clear, brusque but common-sense style, and is capable of expressing his opinion and explaining his desires in the best possible manner. But that is not everything. London is a peculiar place. If a man does not suit he might as well be absent. Sir William Hall-Jones reigned for a long time in the position, but it i.s not generally appreciated that a large amount of his work was merely routine, and that ha has not made his mark on the British community to anything like the extent that is desirable or necessary. Whoever is selected for the position, and tips are useless for the present, has plenty of work in front of him. New Zealand has gone behind in the race for supremacy as far as its Home agents are concerned. We need a man who will combine with a thorough knowledge of business a manner that will ensure his ready reception at all classes of functions, One who can keep himself before the British public in the best interests of the Dominion, and yet will, at the same time, gain that access to social affairs that in the Old Land means half the battle. It is difficult to find such a man, and the Government appreciates the difficulty. It is not an easy position to face, but it has to be faced, and its credit will depend considerably on the result. There is not the slightest doubt that the demands of the High Commissioner's office for overhaul are insistent. There is no need to go into detail in the matter. It is common knowledge that New Zealand is spending thousands a year on a department far removed from her base, and which only those who make a study of the subject can appreciate or criticise. Probably the. Government is aware of the position. It has a good chance of e fleeting a valuable reform, and it is to be hoped that it will take advantage of it.