YOUNGER ADMINISTRATORS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 September 1920, Page 4

YOUNGER ADMINISTRATORS.

There is something almost pathetic in the recent editorial appearing in the London Times, relative to the need for young and active personalities filling the positions of representatives of the Dominions in London, and Governorships of the Dominions. The Times refers to the practice of filling these positions with elderly men, whose public life is approaching an end, as 'having an increasing tendency, which is to be deplored. The theory on which this hoary custom is constituted can only be regarded as arising from grandmotherly excess of caution, which considers that younger men may be too rash and cannot be trusted to hold high office. This, of course, is an exploded idea, the real secret; of these appointments being that they are more in the nature of rewards for past services—either national or political—than for any other reason. There exists to-day—has existed for some time past—a decided feeling on 'the part of all right-thinking people, that merit and suitability should be the two chief factors in all important appointments. The needs ,of the age are vastly different from those in- the mid-Vic-torian period. The slow, ponderous and scholarly methods of the past will not suit the rapid changes of the present. Men of keen convictions, rapid and sound judgment, vigorous initiative and unbounded vision are those who should be at the head of affairs, not only in positions such as those mentioned by the times, but in Parliament, municipal and every other national activity. Such a change does not mean impetuosity and rashness, but progress on sound, modern lines, and the sooner the need is fully recognised, the better will it be for the welfare and advancement of the nations.