Suggests That Webb May Be Ambassador

Northern Advocate, 5 September 1945, Page 3

Suggests That Webb May Be Ambassador

(Special.) WELLINGTON, This Day

Tne suggestion that by sending tne Minister tor Mines and Labour (Hon. P. C. Webb) to Paris to represent the Dominion at the International Labour Organisation conference the Government was testing him as the future New Zealand Ambassador to France was made by Mr A. J. Murdoch (Opposition—Marsden) in the House of Representatives yesterday. ‘T want to say a few words regarding our ambassadors,” said Mr Murdoch in his speech in the Budget debate. “I referred to the matter last year and feel I must do so again. As l said then, 1 do not believe in having ambassadors.” “They have gone dumb, have they not?” atjked Mr W. J. Broadfoot (Opposition—Waitomo). “Some have disappeared and some have just come over all silent,” added Mr Murdoch. “It has been reported recently that the Prime Minister has been invited to send out another ambassador, this time to Paris.” “Who is going?” interjected Mr W. S. Goosman (Opposition—Waikato). “It will not be the honourable member for Waimarino —I can assure the House of that," replied Mr Murdoch. “It appears to me, from information given in the press a few days ago to the effect that the Minister for Mines is to represent New Zealand at the International Labour Organisation conference, that he is being given a try out and that if he succeeds in captivating and charming the individuals in Paris lie may be left there. “The Prime Minister has not responded to the request for information, but 1 have been advised that it is correct that the Minister for Mines is having a try-out. Apparently after its experience in sending out ambassadors the Government has been tempted to try once again.”