HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 259, 25 July 1908, Page 5

HIGH COMMISSIONER.

MR. REEVES RESIGNS. GOES TO HIS NEW POST IN OCTOBER. (DI TEI.EaRAI'H—I'RKSS ASSOCIATION—COPIUIDHT.j (Rec. July 24, 9.55 p.m.) London, July 24. The Hon. W. P. Reeves (High Commissioner of New Zealand) will begin his now duties on October 1. He will probably resign the High Commissionership in October. ■ STATEMENT IN THE HOUSE. In the House early yesterday afternoon, the Prime Minister stated that the High Commissioner (the Hon. AT. P. Reeves) had been appointed Director of the London School of Economics and Political Science in connection with London University, and read a cablegram from Mr. Reeves, dated July 23. He had received the cablegram at 1 p.m. The High Commissioner announced his appointment, and said it dated from Octobor nest. He would, therefore, bo resigning from Octobor next. ("Oh, oh.") His directors wero agreeable to him remaining in chargo in the meantime, if ho wished, and wore willing to facilitate reasonable arrangements to meet the convenience of tho Dominion. Tho Prime Minister s'aid somo one would require to be appointed to take up the work at Hie expiry of tho term stated—assuming Mr. .Reeves could continue until October. Ho did not know what arrangements would require to be made, but he proposed, bofore the Houso roso, to make a statement. The matter was of considerable importance, and would havo to be carefully considered. Mr Jlassey: What do you mean by "bofore tho Houso rises"? The Prime Minister: Beforo the end of the session. .Ho added that at tlie proper time ho'would..put on record what ho considered to be the opinion of tho House regarding the very satisfactory way the High Commissioner had fulfilled his duties. (Hear hear, and applause.) ', PRIME MINISTER INTERVIEWED. Interviewed last evening, the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) said that tho Hon. W. P. Reovos does not resign his position until October, and tho Government could not appoint a successor until. his engagement ceased. It was not likely, therefore,'that tlie new Commissioner would roach Homo beforo the middle of December at least. As to the appointment it was generally hoped he would be a New Zealander. Tho appointment was a matter of great .importance, and would require very great consideration. When Mr. Reeves takes up his now position it is understood ho will bo able to act for the Dominion, at Home until tho end of the year, aud it was probable tho Government would require to take advantage of this ■,

The resignation did not eome as a complete surprise. Mr. Reeves had acted very honourably and very considerately. The Prime Minister recently received intimation from liirn that it was possiblo he might recoivo the position ho has just secured. Mr. Reeves, said the Promier, would bo recognised as exceedingly well qualified to fill his new position. The subjects ho would bo brought in contact with had been a life study with him. It was a sourco of great gratification to Sir Joseph and the High Commissioner's many friends thai ho had succeeded in securing one of the most influential positions, and one" which it was an honour to- fill. It was a position that was sought after by many of the brightest intellects and students of economics in the Old, Country. Lord Rothschild—one of the most Influential men in England—was president !of the Board of Governors. , ! WHO WILL SUCCEED MR. REEVES? ■ Several names of possible successors to-Mr. Reeves as High Commissioner are being suggested in the lobbies. The name of- the Hon. W. Hall-Jones is tho one most frequently mentioned. It is suggested that ho may be appointed to tho post should his state of health warrant his accepting it. Mr. Millar has also been suggested. Other names spoken of are those of the Hon. T. Kennedy Macdonald, and Mr. T. Mackenzio, M.P., but it is very doubtful whether there is anything moro than tho merest rumour, so far as they are concerned. Tho possibility of Mr. Donne, general manager of tho Tourist Department, being appointed has also been mooted.