THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8171, 12 July 1912, Page 7

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

Politicians arc, after all, very niuch alike. The failure of the Liberal Government to appoint a High Commissioner to look after New Zealand s interests in London was adversely criticised by journals of all shades of opinion. Sir William Hall-Jones refused to remain a mere catspaw for designing' place-hunters and suddenly threw up the appointment. New Zealand is now represented in tho world's metropolis by a minor official. It will remain 60 represented until tho Alassoy Government rfLTi make up its mind what it is going to do about it. An appointment is contingent anparently on negotiations behind the‘scenes. There are some who assert that Mr Mackenzie will bo sent Homo if one or two of the friends Of tho Opposition whose names are mentioned refuse tho overtures which it is understood are being made to them. If Mr Mackenzie is sent to London, it is argued, the Opposition will capture tho Lgmont seat and thus be one tho 'stronger on the division list. The question appears to be not who would do the Dominion the greatest service as High Commissioner, but whom shall we reward and How will it affect our party interests? Politicians, as we say, are all very much alike.