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The Daily News. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1922. THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP.

The discussion which took place in the House last week over the cost of the High Commissioner and his staff afforded several members another opportunity for indulging in criticisms, some of which were certainly more pungent than polite.. It is quite probable that had the admittedly necessary reforms in the High Commissioner’s office been instituted, or even a commencement made in that direction, much of the hostility that exists on this much-debated question would have disappeared. Year after year the need for a drastic reorganisation of this department has been emphasised and admitted, even by the Premier, but, apparently, the only consequence is that expenses grow and the usefulness of the office becomes less, so that it is not surprising that members of the House should give vent to views indicating that the Dominion is not obtaining good value for the expenditure entailed by the official representation of New Zealand at the chief centre of the Empire. Why has nothing yet been done to reorganise this office? The taxpayers of the Dominion are entitled to have this query answered, also the further question: When are the present evils to be remedied? Hitherto the Government has persistently stated, like Mr. Massey did last Saturday, that certain matters would have to be remedied; that something would have to be done to reorganise the whole positionand thus the subject has been dismissed time after time. One incident in last Saturday’s debate illustrates how little is known at this end as to the way in which the London office is run. The member for Westland (Mr. T. E. Y. Seddon), after remarking that the discussion had thrown a little light, but not nearly enough, on the position, suggested that the matter should be held over until information was available as to how the vote of £lOOO for furnishing a house for Sir Jas. Allen was to be spent, but the Premier stated he had no further information to give. Of course the vote was carried, but none the less the situation is far from satisfactory. On one point there should be no misconception, and that is the need for the Dominion being represented in London. That is indisputable. As to the nature of that representation, opinions probably differ very materially. On the one hand there appears to be a disposition to regard the High Commissionership as if it partook of the nature of an Embassy an* was more concerned with Court circles and social functions whereby to emphasise New Zealand’s dignity as a nation. On the other hand, the impression is that the office exists for utilitarian purposes connected with the advancement and safeguarding of the Dominion’s position and prosperity. What may be termed the ceremonial side o’f the office inevitably necessitates an expenditure that must either be at a fixed rate or subject to endless bickerings, mainly because the maintenance of a certain amount of state is unproductive outlay. That is not the case on the practical side, and no reasonable expenditure on the staff can be grudged provided the personnel is not only efficient but in close touch with the requirements of the Dominion from year to year. It goes without saying that the High Commissionership is good, bad or indifferent according to whether the office is held by the right kind of man for the position. If it is to be a reward for political services and is regarded as a glorified holiday at the country’s expense, then it would not be reasonable to expect a good return for the expenditure involved, but if it is to be a real factor in the Dominion’s welfare, and the High Commissioner is a real live worker in the interest of his country, then every branch of the office will be vitalised, organised and administered in a manner worthy of the progressive spirit of New Zealand and, its importance as a producing country. Hence the office of High Commissioner is just what the holder makes it. That is the only test on which reliance can be placed,' and it is that kind of High Commissioner the Dominion requires. In these times of stress, when the pruning knife is being wielded with a strong hand in order to make expenditure come within a decreased income, it is imperative to Ifeep a close watch

over all expenditure, and there are very good reasons for believing that the High Commissioner’s office does not give a proper value for the cost of its upkeep. It is that phase of the question which has caused much dissatisfaction, and calls for a reform and reorganisation that has been delayed far too long. It is only right that the High Commissioner should receive fair and adequate remuneration, but that he should earn it is equally certain. The matter is one that needs dealing with on sound business lines.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TDN19220216.2.23

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Taranaki Daily News, 16 February 1922, Page 4

Word count
Tapeke kupu
817

The Daily News. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1922. THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP. Taranaki Daily News, 16 February 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1922. THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP. Taranaki Daily News, 16 February 1922, Page 4

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