New Zealand Mail. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1873.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 106, 15 February 1873, Page 11

New Zealand Mail. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1873.

The other day the English telegrams supplied to the newspaper press announced that the Agent-General was suffering from bad health to such an extent that the business of the Colonial Agency had temporarily devolved upon Mr Morrison. No intimation of Dr Featherston's indisposition had or has been officially communicated to the Government, and the press telegrams naturally made it necessary that the Ministry should, even in the absence of official communication, seriously consider the question of supplying an acting substitute for the Agent-General in case of his indisposition or unavoidable absence. The statement that Mr Morrison had been appointed to discharge, even temporarily, the duties and responsibilities of the Agent-General, could not have been received either by the colony or by the Government with satisfaction. It has not been attempted to be denied that Mr Moi'rison, who formerly held the position of colonial agent, is largely interested in commercial undertakings, which open the door to suspicion that, he cannot act impartially. No one would venture to say that Mr Morrison would wilfully abuse his position, but it is almost impossible that anyone occupying the position that he docs can avoid being influenced by considerations other than those in favor of the colony. The Government some time ago communicated their views on this subject to the Agent-General and intimated that it would be satisfactory to learn that Mr Morrison had ceased to be one of the staff. In fact the Government desired in the most courteous terms that Mr Morrison's services should be dispensed with. Under these circumstances it must have been a surprise to the Government to learn that the very officer it had deliberately decided should be allowed to resign had been appointed as the substitute of the Agent-General during his illness. We understand that the Government have forwarded a telegram to Dr Featherston expressing their regret at his indisposition and recognising to the fullest extent the arduous nature of his duties. But the Government have also felt it necessary to call the attention of the AgentGeneral to instructions telegraphed to him some time ago, to the effect that Mr Morrison's position as one of the officers of the Agency was an anomalous one, and that this gentlemen should cease to be a member of the Agent-General's staff. As we are informed, the Government desire that, should Dr Featherston's indisposition continue, Mr Julyan, of the firm of Julyan and Saunders—the Crown Agents for the Colonies—should act in his place. The assent of this gentlemen has no doubt been invited, aud it would appear that, as a temporary substitute, no better selection could be made.

But it is worth careful consideration whether the whole organisation of the Colonial Agency in London cannot be vastly improved. The Agent-General of New Zealand occupies a very exceptional position. Upon him, and upon him only, devolves the whole responsibility of the management of an amount of business which, for the time being, exceeds that of any other British colony. Of course he is thus subjected to blame for any and every shortcoming, and so long as he occupies his present position it must be expected that any faults and mistakes will be as closely and severely criticised as if they were the results of the mismanagement of a Cabinet. But is it fair that this responsibility should devolve upon one head only ?" The Agent-General of Victoria, whose responsibilities are proportionately much less than those of the Agent of New Zealand, has the advantage of a " Council of Advice"—a body which, we understand, is a permanent addition to-the Agency, and which is composed of persons who, either as old colonists, or as being intimately interested in the prosperity of the colony, are regarded as a very useful and desirable adjunct to the colonial embassy. Why should not New Zealand follow this very good example ? There are many old colonists who, although residing at present

< in England, have all their interests in New Zealand, and- who would form very useful colleagues of the Agent-General whenever he might find it desirable to consult with others as to a particular course of action. The appointment of such a Board would materially assist the Agent-General, and tend much to the advantage of the colony. The necessity for such a body is imperatively admitted by the facts that the colonial loans are issued conjointly by the Agent-General and the Crown Agents ; that the purchases of railway material are subject to the inspection and approval of Mr Hemans —a separate agent of the Government —and that during the temporary illness of the Agent-General, his very responsible duties must depend upon a subordinate. What is to prevent the Government appointing a regularly constituted Board to assist the AgentGeneral, and to act in conjunction with him in all of the more important matters ? Such a Board would of course require to be paid, but we are inclined to think that the colony could readily obtain the services of desirable persons interested in the colony, at a cost not exceeding the honorarium which public companies annually vote to their directors. The assistance to the Agent-General and the value of this assistance to the Government would be almost incalculable. At present the duties and responsibilities of the Agent-General are more than any one man can discharge efficiently. It does not appear that Dr Featherston is backed up by a staff sufficiently efficient, and as a consequence he has to bear the full and entire blame of every mistake or shortcoming. It would assist him, aud would certainly assist the Government, if the Agent-General had the advantage of consulting such a Board of Advice as has been of so much use and value to the colony of Victoria.