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Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 63, 1 August 1912, Page 4

THE HIGH COMMISSIONERS HI P. The appointment of the Hon. T. Mackenzie, the late Prime Minister, to represent the Dominion in London, will meet with general approbation throughout tlie country. The position of High Commissioner is not one tli.it is easily filled, j It calls for the possession of both business and social qualities. If the Dominion is to be properly served, the occupiint of this important office must not only be thoroughly posted in its trade . and financial requirements, bilt he nnjst also be prepared to represent us with dignity at the many social functions to which the colony is officially bidden from time to time. With the possible exception of Sir Joseph Ward, wo know of no politician iiv the country who is better equipped to perform these duties than the member for Egmont is. He is a shrewd, capable Scotchman, of wide political and business experience, a man q(lick to think and quick to act. an excellent speaker, of presentable personality and broqd 'education, yet withal - Tj endowed with tliat stability of character \ that is characteristic of his nationality. Such An appointment naturally ought not to be a party one, but where the sops of office are concerned party leaders are apt toiivtrlook such considerations, and it is a graceful tribute to his hoficstv of political!purpose that Mr. Massey's first act prpctically upon assuming office should have been to appoint his predecessor to this important position. The fact that Mr. Mackenzie's politics are at variance with those of the present Government in certain directions counts for nothing, fbr in his new capacity hp will not. be concerned with the intimate detail of our purely domestic legislation, but will be occupied in attending to our wider requirements at Home, and in representing not a political party but the whole Dominion. He will be no "new chum" Sn this capacity, for he has already made several journeys to the Old . World in the interests of colonial trade, and he knows the ropes thoroughly. One thing is certain: Ho will hold the position with a strong sense of responsibility, and with a knowledge that ho has the confidence not of a section of the G'overnmcnt, but cf the whoje country. Egmont will lose a good representative with the departure of Mr. Mackenzie, but the constituency should cheerfully spare liim for the larger interests to which he has been called.