HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16550, 16 June 1919, Page 6

HIGH COMMISSIONER.

SIR THOMAS MACKENZIE'S TENURE OF OFFICE. (press association telegram.) AUCKLAND, June 15. The Minister of Internal Affairs informed a reporter that the term of office of the High Commissioner (Sir Thomas Mackenzie) had bean renewed by Cabinet for a further four months, from June 22nd. "It might appear that there was some political or other influence in regard to the period for which the re-app intmcut has been made," said Mr Russell ' but this is not the case. When Sir Thomas Mackenzie was first appointed Higii Commissioner it was for a period of three years. At the end of that time, ■when the question of his re-appointment-came up, Sir Thomas infonned the Government that he was only prepared to accept re-appointment on the understanding that he was to bo entitled at any time to give four months' notice to vacate the office. Consequently it could not be expected that the Government would bind itself to an appointment for a long period -while Sir Thomas Mackenzie was free to vacate office on four months' notice; hence all re-appointments since then have been for four months." "No doubt," added Mr Russell "the matter will come under review'when the leaders of the Government return, as probably they will have consulted Sir Thomas as to his "wishes in tho matter.