A NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22579, 18 November 1936, Page 12

A NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL

In having a citizen of the Union, Mr. Patrick Duncan, appointed as Governor-General, to succeed the Earl of Clarendon, South Africa has followed an precedent, though with certain differences. When Sir Isaac Isaacs was nominated as Governor-General of Australia, in 1930, no attempt was made to question the correctness of the procedure. It was recognised as being strictly in accordance with principles laid down at the Imperial Conference of 1926. To this extent South Africa has followed in the footsteps of Australia, but in one respect has gone further. Sir Isaac Isaacs was an Australian, but, as Chief Justice of the High Court, he was in a position thoroughly detached from ordinary affairs, party politics or any of the controversies which accompany them. Consequently there was little danger of identifying him at any time with any sectional interests. He was admirably situated to be GovernorGeneral of all Australia, direct representative of the King who is

King to all the people. The new ; Governor-General of South Africa comes straight from political life to the high office he is called upon to fill. He may be able to detach himself from all those interests with which he has been associated. His career and training indicate that he will he ; but he is not starting from the same position of remoteness from daily affairs as Sir Isaac Isaacs did. Apart from a brief message a few days ago, predicting that Mr. Duncan would be appointed, little has been heard from South Africa about a desire to find a GovernorGeneral from within the country. It is conceivable that such an idea would be welcome to some sections of the people. If an attempt has been made to please them, it is rather remarkable that the man chosen is not South African but Scottish born.