SIR DONALD ROBERTSON.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 280, 24 November 1903, Page 4

SIR DONALD ROBERTSON.

AN INTERESTING CONVERSATION

By the Zealandia yesterday there arrived in Auckland Sir Donald Robertson, a distinguished member 'of the political and military administration of. India. He has been Resident at Mysore and Chief Commissioner of Coorg, jaiiS he previously had administered the State of Rewah for six years. His mill--tray experience was gained in the 21st Scots (then the R.N.8.) Fusiliers,which he joined in 1805, and with the Madias cavalry. He entered the civil employment in 1860, retaining at the same time a place on the supernumerary military list, and since then he had held various responsible political positions, culminating with the Residentship of Mysore. Sir Donald has come to Kefl Zealand, as he explained to an interviewer this morning, "in search of health, rest, and enjoyment." He is staying just now at the Grand Hotel, and probably will be here several days. His health is causing him some anxiety, and he is have medical advice as to where he should go to recuperate. His intention is to go back to Sydney after he has seen New Zealand, and thence through China and Japan to Amelia and England.

In a conversation with a pressman this morning, Sir Donald answered a query concerning the Thibetan expedition by explaining that this', mission, so far as he knew, was merely peaceful ana and commercial, rather than political strategical, lie, however, did not pretend to know more about the mission than the average intelligent onlooker in India, for his political work is for from the frontier, in connection with which the utmost secrecy is observed. He B inclined to think that there isno preponderance of Russian influence with the Thibetans and that Russia is not likely to be able to interfere or prevent any arrangements Britain may make with the Thibetans.

Sir Donald is enthusiastic concerning the administration of Lord CurzoD, Viceroy of India., although he admits Ins admiration may be tinged by the person - al friendship he enjoys with the great Viceroy, whose reappointment has g lVen all" India the greatest satisfaction. "I believe lie is one of the greatest Viceroys Tndia has ever had. In every way he is eminently a great man— W well deserves that description. He w , leave an indelible mark on Indian J* fairs, for his influence is very gr. *"? every class. His indomitable energy, his great ability and his strong deter , initiation have caused him to become the most dominant and successful** ministrator we have ever had. * n<^a , afforded him a very wide scope, and Jj has clone admirable, perhaps magnum cent, work there. - ' ~i Questioned as to how preferential trade will affect India, Sir Donald replied that the subject had not receive the close attention' of India as a vrhoift though merchants and others similar* interested had probably looked iwM, Ho pointed out that after all I n(lia T^ c a dependency of the Crown, and* her administrators would probably asked their opinion, the verdict oi i Home Government would be put effect. ''Economically speaking, . see no doubt that preferential tra . within the Empire is essential, »"% think we should have a tariff that > protect us against the invasion oi goods of America and Germany, doors nre closed to us. That, 1 is the view most of the eminent V°' dans of England arc taking, i"' cl l % I believe, is (he view the natio n whole will eventually take. At f 1 frtney that not even England, « ntl tainl/not Australia, understands , preference means." . .. ~-•-■"'