SIR HARRY BATTERBEE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 August 1938, Page 5

SIR HARRY BATTERBEE

FIRST HIGH COMMISSIONER TO NEW ZEALAND DUE TO ARRIVE SHORTLY EFFECT OF APPOINTMENT By Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. LONDON, July 30. Sir Harry Batterbee, who has been appointed first British Commissioner in New Zealand, expects to arrive in New Zealand in time to greet the first transTasman air mail. ■ Discussing the appointment today, he said that he had been associated with the promotion of the organisation of Empire air mails from its inception and expressed delight at the success of the new flying boats, adding that slightly modified types would be used for crossing the Tasman, three of which would shortly be flying to New Zealand. Sir Harry Batterbee emphasised that he had always urged the vital importance of personal contacts and communications to Empire relations. He forsees that even the existing progress will be revolutionised in five years to such an extent that Empire relations will be no longer governed by such matters as the Statute of Westminster but by frequent interchanges of Ministerial visits. Referring to his appointment to the Commissionership, Sir-Harry Batterbee said it would bring New Zealyand into line with the other Dominions. Accordingly the Governor-General in New Zealand, who was at present representing both His Majesty and the British Government, would henceforth represent only His Majesty. “I can think of no country I would like to go to more than New Zealand,” said Sir Harry, pointing to the walls of his office in the Dominions Office, where many pictures of his previous visit to New Zealand were hanging. Apart from the country and the people, whom he loves, Sir Harry Batterbee is keenly anticipating big-game fishing. He is enthusiastic over all games and plays tennis and golf and watches Rugby. He is fascinated by Maori history. Lady Batterbee’s wide interests include art, music and gardening. The Batterbees are keen collectors of prints and are taking many of their valuable collection to New Zealand, Lady Batterbee is also interested in the Girl Guide movement and social welfare, with which she anticipated active association in New Zealand.