THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 June 1919, Page 6

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

TERM OF OFFICE EXTENDED. By Telegraph.—Pros') Association. Auckland, Last NightThe Minister for Internal Affairs informed a reporter that the term of office of the Higli Commissioner (Sir Thomas: Mackenzie) had been renewed by Cabinet: for a further four months from June 22. "It might appear that there was some political or other influence in regard to the period for which the re-appointment has been made," said the Minister, "but this is not the case. When Sir Thomas was first appointed it was for a period of three years. At the end of that time, v.hen the question of re-appointment came up, Sir Thomas informed the I Government that he was only prepared to accept re-appointment on the understanding that he was to be entitled, at any time, to give four months' notice to vacate office. Consequently, it could not be expected that the Government would biad itself to an appointment for a long period while Sir Thomas was free to vacate office on four months' notice; hence, all the re-appointments since then have been for four months. No doubt," I added Mr. Russell, "the matter will come under review when the leaders of the Government return, as, probably, they will have consulted Sir Thomas as to his wishes in the matter."