The Dominion. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1933. THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 34, 3 November 1933, Page 10

The Dominion. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1933. THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP

It is time that the Government gave some indication of its intentions regarding the High Commissionership, about to be vacated by Su Thomas g Wilford,>who, it may be pointed out, has filled the office with ablllt NewVeSandl representation in London is becoming increasingly important both politically and commercially. In an earlier period the post was little more than an agency, carrying with it. comparable to those of a consulate. Its designation in fact, that of “Aeent-General,” fitted the office. § To-day the position is vastly different, demanding serious con-sideration-of the whole question of our official representation. The New Zealand High Commissioner of. the present day has manifold duties and responsibilities, which are partly political and partly commercial. Each department is in itself of such importance to tins country that it is a question whether they should not be separated. New Zealand is now a sovereign State, and from that point of view the office of High Commissioner will tend to assume increasingly an ambassadorial dignity and function. A news item to-day records a compliment bestowed on the retiring High Commissioner for his report to the Mandates Commission on Samoa. In various other ways our official representative in London has to undertake responsibilities comparable to those of an ambassador. Obviously the appointee should be a man of appropriate, parts. . , On the other hand, the High Commissioner is expected to have a first-hand knowledge of our commercial relationships with the United Kingdom, and to keep a watchful eye on our trading interests. I hat particular responsibility is becoming a most important function of theNew Zealand Office in London. By many people in this country it is regarded as .of more immediate and vital concern than the political and diplomatic aspects., v . We may have to consider, preferably now, but at all events m the near future, whether it would be advisable to -separate these two functions to the extent at least that the High Commissioner, as our ambassador in London, should have with him as associate and under his supervision an official competent to deal with and superintend our commercial relationships. . The British system of representation in foreign countries by embassies and consulates offers a practical and well-tried precedent. . The Government at this juncture might profitably consider the practicability of its adoption. We will have to come to that sooner or later.