The Daily News. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 1920. THE GOVERNOR GENERALSHIP.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 1920. THE GOVERNOR GENERALSHIP.

The announcement that Admiral of the Fleet Viscount Jellieoe is to succeed the Earl of Liverpool as Governor-General of New Zealand comes as a surprise to the people of the Dominion, and it is probable considerable gratification will be felt that such a distinguished personage should have been selected for the position. Lord Jellieoe is in the prime of life, and during his recent visit to the Dominions on naval matters created a most favorable impression. Naval officers are rarely concerned with politics, but as First Sea Lord in 1916-17, Admiral Jellieoe must have gained experience that should prove useful in his new appointment. In view of Lord Jellieoe's tour of the Dominions to propound a new plan of Empire naval defence, there may be special reasons for sending him to New Zealand as GovernorGeneral, as it is considered in Britain that now the Dominions possess the status of nationhood, any scheme of Empire naval defence must be organised in common with them, and that they must possess a share in the control, as well as in the cost, of that defence. At the same time there is no question that the Imperial Government, in the choice of a successor to Lord Liverpool, would desire to appoint a Governor-General of high standing and repute whose presence in New Zealand would be regarded as an honor, and in some measure as a recognition of the splendid services of the Dominion to the Empire in the late war. From that point of view, either* Lord Haig or Lord Jellieoe would be a satisfactory selection, though it is extremely likely that, the appointment of General Birdwood would have been acclaimed with even greater popularity. It seems difficult to conceive that the foremost naval commander of our time should be content to become a Governor-General of the smajjest and most distant of the Dominions, unless it be from a sense of duty to the Empire, but whatever may be the reasons for his acceptance of the appointment, he will certainly be most welcome, and there is little doubt that his term of office will be made as pleasant as possible. Our present GovernorGeneral is a soldier, and it is quite fitting that his successor should belong to the senior service. He is certainly the most distinguished representative of the Crown that has, as yet, been at the head of the Executive Council. The Navy holds the foremost place in the hearts of all British people, and it is quite a new departure that an Admiral who has had such a splendid career in the service of his country as Lord Jellieoe, should undertake the duties which will now fall to his lot. New Zealand will be his haven of rest after his long and brilliant naval career, and it may be taken for granted that his new appointment will add to the dißuity, and status of the

Dominion, and will also cause it to be better known and respected. It may also be assumed that the question of naval defence will be kept to the fore, though the people are not likely to give Lord Jellicoe a blank order to do as he thinks fit. It is well understood that the King's representative in the Dominion has no voice in matters of administration. At the same time his advice on matters in which he is an expert would be received with all due respect, just as is His Majesty's on all occasions of exceptional national importance in Britain. It is certain that the illustrious Admiral will find a warm welcome awaiting him in the Dominion, and that he will be honored here in the way that his great services merit. There are many ways in which a Governor-General can be of service in advancing the welfare of the people, and Lord Jellicoe may be relied upon to do his duty in that thorough-going manner in which all naval men regard duty. New Zealand has every reason to be gratified at the choice of Lord Liverpool's successor.