CROWN COLONIES

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 302, 15 September 1921, Page 5

CROWN COLONIES

SCHEME FOR REORGANISING ADMINISTRATION

GREATER DEGREE OF AUTONOMY PROPOSED By Telegraph—Press Association—Conyright (Rec. September , 14, 8 p.m.) ' London, September 13. "Th© Times” special correspondent writes: "The Colonial Office is considering a scheme for the reorganisation of the administration of Crown colonies and protectorates, designed to give them a greater amount of autonomy, The main proposals are the grouping of various colonies, according to their geographical position, under High Commissioners, who will shoulder some of the duties and responsibilities, especially regarding public appointments and finance, which will now devolve on tho Secretary of State. It is anticipated that the change will ensure an important saving in the expenditure. The various groupings include the placing of Fiji, the Falklands, and all other Crown possessions in the Pacific under a high commissioner stationed at Suva. The High Commissioners Will bo given complete control of the Imperial military forces, as well as the local volunteers, within the'ir jurisdiction. They will be assisted by a council consisting of members partly elected and partly nominated by representative electors or vested interests such as commercial, professional, and agricultural classes. The privileges and prerogatives of these have not yet been decided. Native races will find representation on the council. Although tho scheme is still in the process of evolution, it is believed the main principles will be along the linos mentioned." —“The Times.’’