THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXVIII, Issue LXXVIII, 16 June 1919, Page 5

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

MINISTERIAL EXPLANATION OF THE POSITION.

(BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

AUCKLAND, June 15

The Minister for Internal Affairs informed a reporter that the term or office of the High Commissioner (Sir Thomas Mackenzie) had been renewed by Cabinet for a further four months from June 22. "It might appear that there was some political or other influence in regard to the period for which the re-appointanent has been made," said the Minister, "but this is not the case. When Sir Thomas was first appointed it was for a period of three years. At the end of that time, when the question of re-appointment came up. Sir Thomas informed the Government that he was only prepared to accept re-appointment on the understanding that he was to be entitled, at any time, to give four months' notice to vacate office. Consequently it could not be expected that the Government would bind itself to an appoint- ( me;ht for a long period while Sir! Thomas was free to vacate office On four months' notice; hence, all the reappointments since then have been for four months. No doubt," added Mr Russell, "the matter will come . under review when the leaders of the Government return, as, probably they will have consulted Sir Thomas as to his wishes in the matter.*'