NO DEFINITE PLANS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29436, 11 February 1961, Page 14

NO DEFINITE PLANS

Departure For Post (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. Feb. 10 The new High Commissioner in London (Mr T. L. Macdonald) will not leave New Zealand to take up his appointment before the departure on March 1 of the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) for the London meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers. Mr Holyoake said this at his press conference tonight. Asked later about plans for his journey to London, Mr Macdonald said that it was too early to say anything. “I hope to meet the Prime Minsister early next week,” he added. How did he feel about his appointment? “It is a very great privilege to be asked to undertake the job. and I hope that I can discharge my duties in a manner that will have the approval of all New Zealanders,” Mr Macdonald replied.

Asked whether he had considered the significance of his work in the United Kingdom in relation to the European Common Market, Mr Macdonald replied: "Obviously, the question will loom large.” Mr Macdonald will work in the present New Zealand House in the Strand. He will also be the first High Commissioner to occupy the new New Zealand House being built in the Haymarket. He will live in the residence at Cornwall terrace that was acquired when Sir Frederick Doidge became High Commissioner in London early in the term of the previous National Government.

The current estimates of expenditure show an item of £3lOO as salary for the High Commissioner, with a location allowance of £2240. The staff in the office of the High Commissioner is shown as 184.