THE Waihi Daily Telegraph WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE WAIHI MINER FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1904.

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume IV, Issue 1029, 1 July 1904, Page 2

THE Waihi Daily Telegraph WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE WAIHI MINER

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1904.

Here shall the i'roga tlio feopln'i Riijbt maintain Uu.wetl by influonoo »uri unbribed b.v pain j Here patriot Trntb bor glcnoui precept* draw Pledged to Religion Libert;, Mid Law

Thk proposal in the Governor's speech toapnoinf a High Commissioner to represent New Zealand in the Mothtr Country is already ca using conjecture as to who will bo appointed. The opinion is in favour of Mr Seddon, the papers supporting the Government submitting that the high and important office might well be conferred on him as a reward for past services to the Colony and Empire, and the Opposite papers are endorsing the idea, ostensibly for tho same reason, but really to get him out of the way, and make tho coast clearer for tho return of the party to power. Strangely enough, the appointment of Mr Seddon is supported strongly by the Wellington Times, thestaunchest of all Government papers. In Wednesday's issue one contomporary says:—" The proposal tor the appointment of a High Commission to represent tho colony in London is an interesting one. We welcomo this because we believe that New Zealand should bo brought into lino with the other great self-governing colonies of the Empire. Canada is now represented by a High Commissioner, and Australia will shortly be, and if only for the prevention of uncomplimentary comparisons New Zealand must necessarily be placed upon the samo level. The new position will entail without doubt a new salary higher than now paid to the (.-General, and the reflection that will arise to tho public mind will be who is to be chosen to bo the first High Commissioner? Hvory oye in the colony will rest upon one man. It is generally expected in Australia that Mr Deakin will bo tho first High Commissioner for tho Commonwealth. If Mr Seddon's health proves unequal to the strain and strenuosness ot active political life, then there is no sphere of usefulness the hon. gentleman could fill with more benefit to the country he has served so well than the High Commissionership. Tho office is designed to encourage and develop the Imperial life of New Zealand, and Mr Seddon, more than any other mam, is the apostle ofthal life and spirit." In view of the statement of tho Premier that he would slay in the colony as long as he could work for it, the suggestion of the Times is strange and paradoxical. True, when ho made the statement the Premier was in much better health than at presont and it is possible ho is linding that the hard work that has hitherto been thrust on his him will end to his disadvantage if he continues it; but on the other hand the appointment of four Under-Secretaries, as proposed in the Speech, will relieve Mmim of much of the detail

work of office, and make the duties and responsibilities lighter. The I Prftmi'.'r is now, as he always lias been, a busy man, and whether as High Commissioner or anything else his nature is such that he would work hard; ho we fail to see that his health would improve by the change. Again, the name of Seddon is so cloudy identified with; Now Zealand that we doubt if the change would increase its prominenc?. There are vory few indeed who have not heard of Mr. Seddon as Premier of New Zealand, but how many would hear of him after his appointment as High Commissioner? ],ord Stratkomi leapt into prominence as the orgimisor of Canadian regiments for South Africa, but how many have heard of him as the High Commissioner of Canada? He is practically hidden from the world. For this reason the idea that the office would be a great honour is without foundation. A household mime is that of fiir Wilfred Laurier. We all know that Sir Wilfred is Premier of Canada, and an Imperialist second to none. If he were a High Commissioner would we hear as much of him '( Would we hear of him at all? Another tiling is this, that Mr. Seddon lis the strongman of the Ministry. This is proved by the unconcealed wish of the Opposition to see him our of the politics of this colony. As long as he is here they will have a foemau worthy of the best steel they can put forth, and they would therefore like him to be Governor, High Commissioner, or anything else in some place other than New Zealand. If he takes office, will the Ministry be ;>s strong without him? Certainly not. Will it be safe for any length of time? It is very doubtful, Then let us keep him as long we can.