The New Zealand Times. THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 1912. THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8188, 1 August 1912, Page 6

The New Zealand Times. THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 1912. THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

The Government has appointed Mr T. Mackenzie to the position of High Commissioner for New Zealand in London.

The wisdom of the proverb that “all things come to those who wait” has again been exemplified, for if it be objected that Mr-Mackenzie has not the habitual demeanour of those who are humble in spirit, there is the obvious answer that he awaited the course of recent events with equal faith and groat trust. There has been a general impression that Mr Mackenzie has had Ids eye—or perhaps we should say both eyes—upon the High Commissionership for quite a long time, and the chastened resignation with which he accepted his coup de grace as Prime Minister was naturally the subject of eulogistic comment by journals which invariably appreciate graceful and appropriate actions. It did not escape notice that whereas in the course of the extraordinary country campaign which preceded the sitting of Parliament, Air Mackenzie indulged in studiously fierce forensics on several platforms, he became amiably quiescent—nay, acquiescent—in the House itself. He showed no invidious resentment of tho apostacy of a man who a few short months before had conspired for his preferment, he’ had no harsh words for tho reactionaries who had quietly—nay, surreptitiously—slipped into .the opposite camp. With his neck upon the block he showed a heroic and smiling unconcern which was reflected in the hitherto grim visage of Air Massey himself. Although there has _ been some diplomatic diffidence in interpreting tho portents of that historic occasion, it may well be conjectured that the ordeal was not attended by the heartburnings and tho soul-searchings coincident with another occasion on which ■ —as Mr Alackenzio imparted to a waiting world at the time—he communed with the tom-tits in the Otago hush as to whether or nob the call had really come to him to “join the Liberal party.” Air Alackenzie guessed right on that occasion; and again it is meet that he should have been rescued from threatened oblivion by the kindly hands of the friends of long ago. As one who has played the modest role of kind providence to the little farmer, Mr Alackenzie can have no quarrel with the divinity which has so timely ishaped rough-hewn ends to useful purpose. To those who will speak harshly of such homely adjustments wo would invoke charity. Ordinary men cannot be brought to understand that new eras evolve new methods, and that there are exigencies which occasionally override even ethics. Air Massey is to be congratulated on having abandoned compunction In so supreme and effective a reconciliation. , It can no longer be said of the leader of the Reform party that he punished on opponent in order to reward a friend. It shall no i longer be asserted of the Prime Minisi ter that tactical facility—nay, felicity —is not his forte. His reputation in the field of diplomacy has been rehabilitated at a stroke. Air Alaekenzie’s departure for London will be in the nature of a triumph. It will b© welcomed by his political associates of both parties. That is a compliment of which it does not fall to the lot of every man to boast.