‘Bad precedent for London post’

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34104, 17 March 1976, Page 3

‘Bad precedent for London post’

(X.Z. Press Association)

LONDON. March 16

Mr Hugh Watt said today he would have stayed in Parliament until he reached the age of 70 if he had not agreed last year to come to London as Netv Zealand’s High CommisIsioner.

“I gave away a lot in order to take up this appointment, and it never occurred to me for one minute that I would be forced to break my three-year contract,” he said in an interview.

Mr Watt, who will be 64 on Friday, three days before the first anniversary of his arrival in London, confessed that he would leave New Zealand House on June 1 with “regret and sadness.” But he generously paid tribute to his successor, Mr Douglas Carter, as “a good choice” and sent him a cable saying: “You will find this a stimulating and rewarding experience.”

i He added: “Frances and 1 [hope Sunny and you will enjoy good health and happiness in London.” Mr Watt called in the heads . of the various branches in New Zealand House this morning to tell them that he would be resigning on June 1 to take up a post with the Accident Compensation Commission, and that Mr Carter would succeed him. ‘QUITE HAPPY’ Mr Watt said today that he was quite happy with his new appointment, which he confirmed would carry a salary similar to that, of the high commissioner — about $lB,OOO a “ear. But he made it clear that he still did nor accept that he should have offered his resignation after the change of government last October. “There was no precedent for such a move,” he said, “but I fear that one has now been created because it was forced upon me. “It is a dangerous precedent. It takes a high commissioner 12 months to get to know all the important people he needs to know.

This was recognised by the people who drew up the Foreign Affairs Act and set a three-year term.”

He noted, laughingly, that his appointment to the commission was for three years. “I established the commission, and set it up,” he said. “It will be a great challenge to work on it and I’m looking forward to it.” RELIABLE MAN Mr Watt said that Mr L, M. Graham,- whom he will replace on the commission, had indicated that he did not wish to stay on. “I couldn't wish to follow a better, more conscientious or reliable man.” he said. Mr Watt said that although he was leaving London “reluctantly,” he would continue to do his job as high commissioner until the day he left. “I will leave things in a tidy condition and I will leave Mr Carter a note with some thoughts on how I think things should be done in the future.” He paid tribute to his staff at New Zealand House — “the most loyal any man could have.”