AUSTRALIA HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20767, 9 January 1931, Page 11

AUSTRALIA HOUSE.

UNREST AMONG STAFF. SIR G. RYRIE'S POSITION. LONDON, .Tan. 2. While the British Governirent lias appointed High Commissioners to Canada and South Africa with almost ambassadorial status, and while those Dominions and Now Zealand are reciprocating by strengthening their position in London, Australia's new Dominions status seems very uncertain. lvnowledgo of the unrest and disorganisation at Australia House is not confined to Australian circles.

It is generally accepted that the function of tho High Commissioner, Sir Granville Ryrie, is little .gipre than to see out his term, which has nearly two years to run. Internally, the real direction of Australia House is in the hands of tho financial adviser, Mr. J. R. Collins. Externally, Sir Granville represents Australia at social functions, makes speeches, and is treated with kindly silence by tho British Prcs3. This year, for the first time, the High Commissioner did not attend the Assembly of tho League of Nations. Various Australia House officials syndicate the executive and diplomatic work, which, in the case of other Dominions, falls on the shoulders of the High Commissioners, who are the direct representatives of their Governments, are constantly associated with international, diplomatic, and commercial developments, and sometimes even have mandates from their Cabinets.