Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th., 1929. HIGH COMMISSIONER

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 September 1929, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th., 1929. HIGH COMMISSIONER

S IR Joseph Ward is apparently vexed over the rumour that he was to accept the High Commissionership in London, and to be granted a peerage. He emphatically denied both reports, neither of which could have been regarded seriously. That Sir Joseph would make an efficient High Commissioner cannot be doubted, but at his advanced age, and the fact that he holds the greatest honour New Zealand can confer, are sufficient reasons why he should have no am-

bitious to exchange Wellington for

London. Sir Joseph would, indeed, be ill-advised to leave the Dominion at this juncture, both on personal and public grounds. He, however, should not be surprised that strange rumours concerning the Commissionership gain credence. He could settle these once and for all, by announcing who is to succeed Sir James Parr.

Why all this mystery ? The people of New Zealand surely have the right to know as early as possible who is to represent them m the Homeland. Mr. Coates and Mr. H. E. Holland have asked questions in the House, but could get no satisfaction. Is it any wonder that guesses are prevalent, and annoyance caused to some whose names are bandied to and fro, and their chances analysed ? Sir Joseph Ward has had plenty of time to choose Sir J. Parr’s successor. He announced soon after his accession as Prime Minister that Sir J. Parr’s term would not be extended, yet found it necessary to ask Sir James to remain, and, to-day, his successor is not yet known. These may be “impressive” tactics, but are not businesslike.

Mr. Wilford was generally supposed to have the High Commissionership at his disposal, and it would not be strange were he ultimately to prove to be his leader’s choice. Mr. Wilford has qualifications for the post, and should be a success in the Homeland. His retirement from the Ministry, especially as Minister for Justice, would not be a matter for everybody’s regret. It is stated that the Ministry fear the loss of the Hutt seat, should Mr. Wilford resign, but even if that occurred, no serious consequences could ensue, as Labour has given proof that so far as that Party is concerned, it does not propose, meanwhile, any trial of strength with the Government, necessitating an early appeal to the country. Sir Joseph Ward should take the people more into his confidence, not only in connection with the High Commissionership, but also, regarding Sir Charles Fergusson’s successor as Governor-General. The Prime Minister lias promised to divulge this latter secret about November. There may be some reason for this reticence, but meanwhile, various reports and denials are being made about possibles and probables. This sort of thing does not add to the dignity of the Dominion nor the high office concerned, as the impression is spread that there is reluctance among the qualified to come to New Zealand.