U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER
SIR HARRY BATTERBEE LEAVING (Press Assn.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 5. Sir Patrick Duff has been selected to fill the post of High Commissioner in New Zealand for His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in succession to Sir Harry Batterbee whose extended term of office will expire this year. Sir Patrick will take up his duties in the middle of the year. Sir Harry has been High Commissioner in New Zealand since 1938. "Sir Harry has proved in every way an outstanding High Commissioner. He lias won the appreciation and respect of the New Zealand Government lor the able, sincere and tactful way in' which he has conducted his office," said the Acting-Prime Minister (Mr Nash) today. Mr Nash said Sir Harry's term had covered the whole of the war years, during which period he had at all times worked in the closest touch with Cabinet Ministers and officials lor the furtherance of the common cause. His experience and wisdom, always available, had been of the greatest assistance to the New Zealand war effort. The opening by Sir Harry in March, 1939, of the. office of the United Kingdom High Commissioner in New Zealand was a landmark in New Zealand's history. That office was now firmly established in the Governmental machinery, not only because of its proven value but also perhaps as much because of the personal qualities of the first High Commissioner. 'lho New Zealand people had good cause for gratitude that during this difficult period the High Commissioner had been one who was intimately acquainted with the policy and methods of the British Government.
"Sir Harry and Lady Batterbee have taken "a deep interest in many cultural activities in New Zealand and have made many firm friends by whom they will be greatly missed. The greatest and most sincere compliment I can pay," concluded Mr Nash, "is to say they have deepened the affection of New Zealanders for their British kinsmen and their respect for the integrity of the British Government."
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19450105.2.21
Bibliographic details
Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 31, 5 January 1945, Page 2
Word Count
335U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 31, 5 January 1945, Page 2
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