THE GOVERNOR AND THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP OF THE PACIFIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 5997, 5 February 1881, Page 5

THE GOVERNOR AND THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP OF THE PACIFIC.

[BY .TELEGRAPH. —OWS CORRESPONDENT.] "Wellington, Friday. Referring to the Fiji Times' comments on Hunt's case, the Times says : —" We hope, however, that official etiquette will permit, of the publication of the other side of t\a question. The position of Governor and as Hig u Commissioner of the Pacific Islands, •with, as it would appear, no very distinctly defined powers and duties, is a very difficult one, and is not likely to add to his popularity. His powers, such as they are, necessarily partake of the arbitrary character of a Governor only responsible to the Home Government, and unchecked by an Executive on the spot. Having no official organ of communication with the public, and no advisers on whom to throw the responsibility for any official action of his, lie will almost certainly come in for much undeserved blame, and will be liable to commit serious errors of judgment. We tliink it is worthy Of consideration whether the -powers at the High Commissioner cannot be in some way merged in those of the Governor of New Zealand, and a protectorate established, to be made a duty of this colony as a colony, and subjected to such regulations as our Legislature may, with the consent of the Crown, enact. If the Kxecutive Council of New Zealand could have its say in the questions relating to the South Seas, and tender advice in all matters of detail to the Governor, his task would be rendered and the relations between this colony and the South Sea Islands would be drawn closer. If all Sir Arthur's acts as High Commissioner were performed by and with the advice of his Executive, except, perhaps, those relating to warlike operations, his burden would be lighter, and his motives and acts less liable to misrepresentation." ;