NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19022, 20 May 1925, Page 11

NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

CHOICE FOR AUSTRALIA. TRIBUTES TO SIR J. < BAIRD. MANY HIGH QUALITIES. By Telejrraph—Preps Association— Copyrisht. (Received 5.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z. LONDON. May 19. Most of the commentators are surprised at tho appointment of Sir John Lawrence Baird as Governor-General of the Commonwealth, to succeed Lord Forster. All agree, however, that the choice will prove most popular in Australia. Like Lord Forster, Sir John is a very keen yachtsman. ' He is a member of the Royal Yacht Club. His work on the intelligence staff during the war was rewarded with the D.S.O. Sir John won the highest praise for his energy, enthusiasm, and the soundness of his opinions and policy, which is largely due to his varied experience in the diplomatic, service, Man of Valuable Opinions.

The Daily Telegraph says Sir John's appointment is a surprise to his colleagues in the House of Commons. His name was submitted with others to the Commonwealth Government, which selected Sir John. The paper adds: "A GovernorGeneralship is not an affair of mere pomp and circumstance, nor is a famous name or an ancient title demanded, but the Dominions do need men who have studied the problems which disturb the Empire and the world.

"The Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. S. M. Bruce, and the Government and people of the Commonwealth will have iu Sir John Baird one whose opinions will be well-informed and valuable; one who is not likely to ignore the lessons learned in the Old World or to under-estimate tho demands of new conditions."

The Morning Post commends the appointment in view of Sir John's practical knowledge of Australian problems and his reputation as an administrator. "These pro-Consulships," says the paper, "are no longer the sole responsibility of any Government department at Home/ They are really appointments made jointly by the Colonial Office and the Dominion con cerned." Eulogies of an Old Friend.

Viscount Younger, a lifelong friend and almost a political father of Sir John, whom he affectionately calls "Johnny," stated in an interview that he was delighted with the appointment. "Sir John succeeded me in the Ayr Boroughs in 1918," said Lord Younger. "I looked upon him as my natural successor, as my family has been connected with his in Scotland for many years. He has a very high reputation there and quite outstanding ability. "Sir John is connected with the great iron firm of Baird and Co., Garthsherrie. Lanarkshire. He is the grandson of one of the founders. Since his election for Ayr he has retained what used to be an uncertain scat by excellent majorities. Last year he had a record majority. That, alone is a tribute to his quality, personality and popularity. He has the most active, attractive, pleasant and frank manner.

"Above all, Sir John has the great advantage of having a charming wife, who is ais much liked in Ayr as is her husband. While lam personally delighted at Sir John's appointment, which he richly deserves and will fill admirably, and on which Australia is to be congratulated, I am sorry to lose him as my successor in Ayr, where it will be hard to fill his place. I look forward to his success in Australia, where ho will succeed my old friend Lord Forster, Sir John Baird's diplomatic training and long Parliamentary experience will most admirably fit him for the position." Lord Younger explained that Sir John and Lord Forster were quite dissimilar in temperament, yet both were charming men.