STRONG EXCEPTION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 3 February 1931, Page 6

STRONG EXCEPTION

BY HIGH COMMISSIONER COMPLAINT ISY MR I). JONES, M.P. REPLY BY SIR. THOMAS W1LFOIII) (By Telegraph—Press Association) WELLINGTON, This Day. When the vote for the High Commissioner's Olliee was under discussion in (lie House M' Representatives at the end of last session, Mr Joues, M.P. for Mid-Canterbury, complained that Sir Thomas Wilforcl had neglected to extend him the usual courtesies enjoyed by New Zealand visitors !to London. In a reply to the charge received by the Prime Minister, Sir Thomas takes strong exception not only to the complaint hut to the manner in which it was made, and after detailing the list of invitations and other facilities extended to Air Jones he concludes: "I fully realise what is expected of the High Commissioner in social matters. Sometimes I wonder whether it is realised in New Zealand that during the season between 300 and 400 New Zealanders call at New Zealand House every week. The record of my olliee in regard to Air Jones will hear comparison with the record of any other visitor at that time of equal importance, irrespective of his political opinions.” The High Commissioner states that he submitted the names of Air .Tones and Mrs Jones and their two daughters for the following functions: Lady Jellicon’s reception in May. the British Empire Academy tea party, and Lady Clarendon's reception. Tie also submil,ted the name of .Mr Jones lor the Royal Agricultural Show at .Manchester. lie would have offered to reserve a seat for Mr Jones at the trooping of the colours, hut was informed that he would not ho there. Seats were, however. reserved for Airs Jones and her two daughters, and were used. A few days before the ceremony Air Jones found that he would be iu London and asked for a ticket, but unfortunately nil lliose, placed at Sir Thomas Wilford s disposal had already been distributed. The High Commissioner, however, immediately telephoned Sir Howard Deguillo, of the Empire .Parliamentary Association, and arranged for a ticket to he supplied through him. “I may say,” said Sir Thomas, “that early in April Air Jones expressed the wish to hear Mr Snowden make his Budget speech. I immediately took steps to obtain a card ol admission to the House of Commons for his use, but unfortunately all the places bad been allotted.” Referring to the New Zealand dinner, Sir Thomas Wilford pointed out that the function is given under the auspices of the New Zealand Association and is not one over which his office has any control. The selection of official guests is made by the executive of the association. This year the official guests were members of the English football learn who were about to leave for New Zealand, and well known people interested in sport. “It is perfectly true that I could have asked Mr Jones or other New Zealanders in London whether they would he mv personal guests, but as his (Air Jones’s) visit to this country was largely concerned with the. New Zealand Meat'Producers’ Board, and as Mr Forsyth had informed mo that Air Jones would he his guest, and would sit at his table, I did not ask the committee of the association lor a special invitation for .Air Jones. 1 maj say that after Mr Jones’s departure the names of Airs Jones and her two daughters were submitted ior the honour ot ail invitation to the Royal garden paity at Buckingham Palace, and also or invitations to the reception to Mrs Murry. 11l view of the above 1 think ! mav reasonably ask whether Air Jones' was justified in stating that during the lime ho was in London the ‘High Commissioner nothing loi him" in tlie slightest .