MR BRUCE’S APPOINTMENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 254, 23 September 1933, Page 6

MR BRUCE’S APPOINTMENT.

Mr S. M. Bruce’s appointment as High Commissioner for Australia in London is a not unexpected development of the splendid success he has achieved in the conversion of the Australian debt in London. The announcement of Mr Bruce’s translation to England as Resident Minister to replace the High Commissioner was made in February of last year. The term of Sir Granville Ryrie was expiring in May, and the Federal, Cabinet, with important financial negotiations to be undertaken in London, entrusted them to Mr Bruce, who was also charged with performing- the functions of the High Commissioner to obviate the necessity of making a fresh appointment. Mr Bruce went to London after leading the Australian delegation to the Ottawa Confei-ence, a position for which he was eminently fitted by l-eason of his wide outlook of Empire, his woi-k for extending preferential trade among its peoples, and his knowledge, of Empire statesmen. Since his sojourn in London he has been faced with great difficulties in arranging the conversion of Australia’s debt, but his success is to be judged by the relief of over £1,150,000 in intei-est annually to the Australian Treasury. The latest conversion opei-ation covering about £21,000,000, and comprising three loans due by the Commonwealth, New South Wales and Western Australia respectively, has also , been a sti-iking success, lessening- materially the intei-est bill thereunder. Mi- Bruce’s work will not be without its. effect upon the internal conditions of the Commonwealth, and . must hasten the coming of better times. It was said when the appointment was announced last year that no better selection could have been made, based on his past experience as Prime Minister, his high standing in the present Cabinet, the wide respect for his abilities in Australia, and his close pei-sonal touch with members of the British Cabinet. The innovation in Australia’s representation in London has been undoubtedly successful, and Mr Bruce’s desire to remain in London as the Federal representative will be received with pleasure by his people, even though it means the severance for the time being of an active political career. While Resident Minister in London he remained a member of the Federal Cabinet and of the House of Representatives. The High Commissionersliip necessarily terminates this collection, but Mr Bruce brings to it a personality and ability that should make him a most valuable representative of his country.