BRITISH OFFICIAL FOR N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22591, 22 December 1938, Page 9

BRITISH OFFICIAL FOR N.Z.

SIR HARRY BATTERBEE'S POSITION

NEW FORM OF COMMUNICATION NECESSARY

LONDON, December 20,

The newly-appointed British High Commissioner in New Zealand (Sir Harry Batterbee), responding to a toast proposed by the New Zealand High Commissioner (Mr W. J. Jordan) at the New Zealand Society's farewell luncheon, said that the appointment of a High Commissioner to New Zealand had not been made because the present system had failed to work, or the relations between the United Kingdom and New Zealand were becoming more difficult., but because the whole range of international affairs had so increased that new means of communication were necessary. A solution of problems by consultation must be extended and the gaps between Imperial Conferences must be filled if tlje Empire was to progress. Sir Harry paid a tribute to Mr Jordan's help in preparation for his departure, and said he hoped to make his house in Wellington a meeting place for an exchange of ideas in order to equip himself as an ambassador in a wider sense.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Dominions (the Duke of Devonshire) said that without minimising the work of the Governor-General, New Zealand would greatly benefit as a result of someone at hand knowing the inner workings of the Government of Britain.