TWO DOMINIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 64, 15 March 1940, Page 6

TWO DOMINIONS

The arrival of Dr. W. A. Riddell to take up his appointment as High Commissioner for Canada in New Zealand is a further important step in strengthening relationship between different parts of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The task of the High Commissioner, as Mr. Nash said at the civic reception to Dr. Riddell, is to interpret the mind of Canada to New Zealand and the mind of New Zealand to Canada. From this interpretation it is hoped that better understanding will proceed. That the Canadian Government attaches great importance to the work is shown in the selection of Dr. Riddell, a man with an outstanding record and the widest experience, to be the first Commissioner. Dr.* Riddell, for his own part, has evinced the keenest interest in New Zealand's social achievements and will bring to his task a sympathetic knowledge of our affairs. Between the older and the younger Dominion relationships for many years have been most cordial; but there is scope for the promotion of greater intimacy. In travel New' Zealanders have become familiar with Canada, probably more familiar than Canadians are with New Zealand. In trade also there hasj been development, though not without its problems. Latterly these i difficulties have become greater through New Zealand's adoption of an import selection policy. Dr. Riddell will not be particularly concerned with the trade aspect, but he will be able to \ investigate the conditions which are the basis of trade policy, and the investigation, We may hope, will contribute to the solution of practical problems. The appointment is especially timely, as New Zealand will shortly be sending to Canada many of her chosen young men for training under the Empire a^r scheme. These will be unofficial representatives of the younger Dominion, and the knowledge and interest which they will acquire will later be of great value in preparing jthe way for a closer association be[tween the two countries.