LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 127, 2 June 1927, Page 8

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

t A NEW APPOINTMENT HON. SIR JAMBS ALLEN As was expected, the Government has acceded to the public desire that Sir James Allen, G.C.M.G., X.C.8., who for six years filled with distinction the position of High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, should be appointed to the Legislative Council. It-is possible that further appointments, or reappointments, will be made. Sir James Allen's appointment dates from yesterday. Sir James Allen's position in Mr. Massey's Government when he was appointed . to the High Commissionersliip in 1920, in succession to Sir Thomas Mackenzie, was one of considerable prestige, and as by his work in London . and at tho League SIR JAIKES ALLEN. terJ; st' Born in South Australid in 1855, Sir James Allen was educated at Clifton College, England, St. John's College, Cambridge, and the Eoyal School of Mines, graduating M.A. and winning the Bessemer and Murchison medals. Arriving in New Zealand in 1876, he entered Parliament in 1887 a s member for Dunedin East. At the next election he was returned as a member for Bruce, which electorate ho represented continuously until 1920, when he was appointed High Commissioner. When Mr. Massey assiftned office in 1912 Sir James Allen was given the portfolios. of Defence, Education, and Finance. On hi s shoulders fell the burden of supervising the raising; equipping, and dispatch of drafts for the. Front during the War, and for his services in that period hewas knighted in 1917. After filling two three-year terms as High Commissioner, Sir James Allen retired in 1926, and was decorated G.C.M.G. Sir James Allen is also a holder of the Legion of Honour. He was for many years associated with the Volunteer forces, was Chancellor of the Otago University for three years, and is the author of several works, including "New Zealand and Federation: ttio Financial Aspect."