HIGH COMMISSIONER

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 November 1933, Page 10

HIGH COMMISSIONER

SIR J. PARR APPOINTED.

[PER press association.]

WELLINGTON, November 13.

The Prime Minister announced, tonight, that at a meeting of the Executive Council, presided over by the Governor-General, tlie appointment of Sir James Parr, as High Commissioner for New Zealand', for one year, upon the retirement of the present High Commissioner, was approved. Mr Forbes stated that Sir Thomas Wilford for the past four years had discharged the duties of this important position with marked ability and distinction, and that it was with very genuine regret that the Government were losing his services. He had, indeed, proved in every way a most excellent High Commissioner. Sir Thomas, however, had intimated he said, that he would’ be unable to accept a further term of office. The Government had offered the appointment to Sir James Parr, who was leader of the Legislative Council, but who had already been High Commissioner, from 1926 to 1930, and Sir James Parr had intimated that he was prepared to accept the office again. As already stated, Sir James’s term of appointment was to be for one year, as from January 1 next. Sir James Parr had intimated that he would not accept a longer term, as he wished to return to New Zealand early in 1935 There could, added Mr Forbes, be no. question as to Sir James Parr’s qualifications for the post. He had proved- his worth and capacity during his previous term of office as High| Commissioner, and the Dominion was fortunate in onae more securing his services in London, particularly as, next year would, both from an international and Empire point of view, be one of considerable difficulty, calling for the best efforts of an experienced man. Sir James Parr would leave New Zealand, next month, for London.