THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 259, 25 July 1908, Page 4

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

The definite confirmation of the vague rumours for some time current concerning the impending resignation of Mr. W. P. Reeves, the High Commissioner, will afford tho public two subjects' for speculation. The immediately interesting question is as to who will be his successor, but the public will bo almost equally interested in the future plans of Mr. Keeves himself, it is a complimont to the High Commissioner—and a well-deserved one— that this should ,bo so. That Mr. Keeves has filled his honourable post with distinction to himself and satisfaction to the country is a fact upon which there is likely to be very little disagreement. No doubt, if he were to return to New Zealand, he would discover that events have moved rapidly since he went to London, and that on some not unimportaut points ho would have to revise his conception of this country. A little out of touch with the public opinion of Mew Zealand to-day Mr. Heeves may be, but it cannot be urged that the efficient discharge of his functions has been materially impaired by the detaching influence of time. His chief virtue has been his discretion, and when he has erred, he has erred with the Government. • Ho has not, so far as we know, made any independent mistake. . He will have the good wishes of the country in his new role as a University Don, and if there appears to .New Zealand eyes a little humour in tho new position, of the author of the • unfortunate Arbitration Act, our., congratulations arc none the less sincere and cordial.

An interesting field of speculation. is opened up by tho problem of the now Commissioner. The public will not have forgotten tho volume of guesswork that followed upon the late Mr. Seddon's extreme reticence when the post, or rather the name, of Agent-General was marked for abolition. Wo doubt tho Government, which would not have been kept' in the dark by Mr. Keeves respecting his intentions, has already been considering the appointment of Mr. Keeyes's successor. Two or three names will immediately suggest themselves to tho public as likely ones, but there can be littlo profit in speculation just. now. Thero are at least two members of the Ministry amongst the " possibilities," and it is this' fact which will make tbo new appointment a matter of deep interest to the public, and also to the members of the Government party in Parliament. The task of selection will not be an easy one,, and the first duty of the Government will be to avoid an appointment that will not take into account tho increasing importance of our having a talented representative capable of sustaining comparison .with the distinguished representatives of tho greater autonomous states of tho Empire. Events point towards tho rapid predominance of the Imperial side of the position of High Commissioner. Th'e principles that in earlier years governed tho appointment of colonial Agents-General are no longer adequate to the needs of tho time. Mr. lleeves, fortunately, was equal to the chango in his position. Hi 3 was a ease of a High Commissioner taking up the post of Agent-Goneral. Tho Government must avoid selecting a merely passable Agent-General to fill the post of High Commissioner.