The Daily News. THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1920. THE HIGH COMMESIONERSHIP.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 January 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1920. THE HIGH COMMESIONERSHIP.

Hitherto Mr. Massey has refused to be "drawn" on the matter of the appointment of Sir Thos. Mackenzie's successor as High Commissioner for New Zealand in England. The only candidate for the post in sight is Sir James Allen, and his name has been freely mentioned in connection therewith. We now learn from our "Wellington correspondent that it has been "semi-officially" stated that Sir James Allen will be the new High Commissioner, and that he will leave for London as soon as arrangements can be made for transferring his Ministerial duties here to other capable hands. This may be taken to mean that the official announcement will be made simultaneously with the result of Cabinet reconstruction—a business that presents difficulties which may take time and no small tax on the Premier's skill. The question is whether Sir James Allen will go to London merely as High Commissioner, or with the added status of Resident Minister, which has been discussed for some time past, iu consequence, of the decision of the Imperial Cabinet that the Dominions should each "be represented by a Minister, permanently stationed in London, so as to ensure a real continuity of the work of the War Cabinet as the supreme executive authority for the Empire, and to provide a steady channel of communication and information

as between the British War Cabinet and the Dominion Governments. It was added that the permanent presence of Dominion Ministers in London would help, too, in the latter direction. Manifestly this proposal was a war measure, but in view of the fact that the principle has been conceded that the Dominions are entitled to a voice in Imperial affairs, also of the representation to which the Dominions are entitled on the League of Nations, it would seem that the time has arrived when an Empire Cabinet shall be formed. It is, however, for the Dominions to decide whether or not they subscribe to this project, and the matter is one that should be decided by the respective Parliaments, and not by the Prime Ministers. Mr. Massey has a strong majority of supporters in the House, and he may ascertain and act on their views without waiting for Parliament to meet, 'but, such a course would not be consonant with democratic principles. There is no necessity for him to take the responsibility of deciding the question, as it will not interfere with Sir Jas. Allen's appointment as High Commissioner, it being understood that if the higher status is decided upon he will become Resident Minister in London. No one will dispute that his past services fully entitle him to the higher position, and the arrangement, would fit in with the suggestion which has been made that Sir Thos. Mackenzie, who has announced his intention to remain in London, should take charge of the Dominion's commercial interests in the heart of the Empire. However highly Sir James Allen's services may be estimated, it is open to question whether he possesses the peculiar gifts and qualifications that are required if the duties of High Commissioner are to be of service to the Dominion in the way that is looked for. Obviously the holder of the office should be exceptionally resourceful, vigorous, and pushful, unless New Zealand is to be overshadowed by the other Dominions. Hence if Sir James Allen assumes ambassadorial responsibilities, and Sir Thos. Mackenzie devotes his time and abilities to promoting the Dominion's commercial and industrial interests, a great benefit should accrue to New Zealand.' The immediate future contains the prospect of very strenuous and important work in the High Commissioner's department, most of which would be entirely foreign to Sir Jas. Allen, but familiar to Sir Thos. Mackenzie. New Zealand requires the services of both men, and it would be good policy to rearrange the London officesome even suggest revolutionising it-—so that the best interests of the Dominion may be served in the best possible way. Mr. Massey would be well advised to end the suspense, which has existed far too long already, and make a statement of what he proposes to •do. It is quite recognised that the loss of the services of his lieutenant, on whom so much depended during the war, will make the Premier's task of Cabinet reconstruction exceptionally trying, especially as he is also losing three other colleagues—Sir Wm. Eraser, Sir "Wm. Hemes and Major Hine —but there are plenty of aspirants among the members of his party for a portfolio, amongst the probables being Mr. Parr—who returned to the Reform fold last session after a brief demonstration of independence.— Sir B. H. Rhodes (who it is expected will return to his old seat in the Cabinet), and Mr. G. J. Anderson. Apparently Mr. Massey will have to take charge of the Treasury, unless he discards party methods ] and secures the services of a mem- j her on the other side of the House —a steD that would need courage \ and determination. It would seem \ advisable, therefore, that the Pre-! mier should lose no further time ! in tnking the neople into his con- ( fidenoe as to his intentions. I