SIR JAMES PARR, G.C.M.G.

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 129, 3 June 1935, Page 10

SIR JAMES PARR, G.C.M.G.

The Hon. Sir James Parr, K.C.M.G., G.C.M.G., is High Commissioner for New Zealand in London. He is the eldest son of a pioneer farmer of the Waikato district, having been born at Cambridge in 1869. Educated at Auckland-' Grammar School and Auckland University College, he graduated through the Ponsonby School Committee arid the Auckland Education Board to a seat in* Parliament as member for Eden. He was for five years Mayor of Auckland, and has occupied a seat on the Auckland Harbour Board, the Auckland Hospital Board, the Auckland University College Council, and many other local authorities in Auckland. Sir James was Minister of Education from 1920 to 1926, during which time he inaugurated many reforms in the education system. He also held the portfolios of Health and Justice and Postmaster-General. He was appointed High Commissioner for New Zealand in 1926, a position which he occupied till 1930. During that period he represented New Zealand on the League of Nations, the Imperial Defence Committee, the Empire Marketing Board, and the Imperial Shipping Committee. After relinquishing the High Commissionership. he took a prominent part in lecturing in an Empire trade crusade. Upon his return to New Zealand in 1931 he was appointed a member of the Legislative Council, and acted as Leader of the Council. In November, 1933, upon the retirement of Sir Thomas Wilford, Sir James Parr was 'reappointed High Commissioner for> one year, and in October last his term was extended. He received the honour of C.M.G. in 1914 and K.C'.M.G. in 1924; ■;■■••.•.