THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14376, 23 May 1910, Page 4

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

. ■ ■ . The sudden illness of Mr. HallJones in the Royal Chapel at Windsor at the last solemn rites in connection with the burial of our late Sovereign is another indication of the regrettable state of the health of the High Commissioner. Almost ever since he took up his. official duties in London he has been suffering from indisposition, which at times has assumed a nature that has caused his friends considerable anxiety. But with . characteristic courage and fortitude he has declined to spare> himself, and has shown . a devotion to duty under painful and distressing circumstances which must command universal admiration. His illness in the present instance is not, we trust, of a serious character, and the latest reports encourage that hope. It must, however, be recognised that his health may at any time become so impaired as to compel him to seek rest and recuperation in retirement and entire freedom from the cares and responsibilities of office. In that case the question of his successor would open up s6me interesting speculations. There is a persistent idea entertained in some quarters that Sir Joseph Ward would not be altogether- reluctant to accept the position of High Commissioner. And we do not know of any public man in the . Dominion who would fill it with greater distinction and efficiency. It is an office which has of late years grown considerably in importance, and which seems certain to increase in prestige. In other parts of the Empire it is attracting their ablest men, who are finding in England a wider stage and ampler opportunities for the exercise of their talents than they enjoyed in their own countries. This tendency is not, wc think, likely to diminish, for 'as the power and importance of the colonies grow, the importance, and to some extent the power, of the office of High Commissioner is bound to grow also. But though Sir Joseph Ward would undoubtedly fill the post with conspicuous success, and has probably his eye upon it, we .do not think there is the slightest chance of his accepting it for some time to come, and only then in- the event of certain political contingencies. For the present at any rate his' work lies here rather than in London. He is the only possible leader of his strangely assorted party. Though he may not dominate it in the masterful manner that Mr. Seddon did he is probably the only man capable of keeping it together, or whose personality or authority counts with the party. There are, moreover, times of political stress looming ahead, which will necessitate his presence' here, and may severely tax all his resourcefulness and ability. Among his colleagues there are two or three who are commonly supposed to have an ambition to serve their country in London, but in no case are their qualifications more than ordinary.