CROWN COLONIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 September 1921, Page 5

CROWN COLONIES.

NEW PLAN OF CONTROL. GREATER AUTONOMY. A PACIFIC GROUP. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright Received Sept. 14, 8 p.m. London, Sept. 13. A Times special correspondent writes: The Colonial Office is considering a scheme for the reorganisation of the administration of the Crown Colonies and Protectorates, designed to give them a greater amount of autonomy. The main proposals are the grouping of various Colonies, according to their geographical position, under High Commissioners, who will shoulder some of the duties and responsibilities, especially regarding public appointments and finance, which now devolve on the Secretary of State. It is anticipated the change will ensure an important saving of expenditure. The various groupings include placing Fiji, the Falklands and all other Crown possessions in the Pacific under a High Commissioner stationed at Suva. The High Commissioners will be given complete control of the Imperial military forces, 'as well as the local volunteers within their jurisdiction. They will be assisted by a council consisting of members partly elected and partly nominated by representative electors or vested interests, such as the commercial, professional and agricultural classes. The privileges and prerogatives of these have not yet been decided. The native races will find representation thereon. Although the scheme is still in process of evolution it is believed the main principles will be along the lines mentioned.— Times Service.