THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22392, 13 October 1934, Page 10

THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP

It will be in the interests of the Dominion if Sir James Parr can be persuaded to accept an -extension of the term of his appointment as High Commissioner. It was popularly understood that it was owing to Sir James's own disinclination on personal grounds to occupy the position for any longer term that his appointment as successor to Sir Thomas Wilford was limited to one year only. From the fact that the desirability of extending this term is now being considered by the Government it may probably be inferred that the reasons which in"fluenced Sir James Parr against the acceptance of the appointment for any longer period do not now exist. In this event, the Government can hardly do better than invite him to continue to act as its representative. It is obviously undesirable that the High Commissionership should change hands very frequently. It is. highly questionable whether it would hot be advantageous to the Dominion if the normal term of appointment were longer than it is. The country was fortunate in the fact that, when he agreed to accept the appointment last year, Sir James Panwas already, from his previous experience in the office, fully equipped for the performance of the duties which he was undertaking. Moreover, he had not only efficiently filled the position prior to the appointment of Sir Thomas Wilford, but he was also highly esteemed in quarters in which the favourable reputation of its representative is of distinct value to the Dominion. An additional reason, Avhich the Prime Minister has mentioned, why the retention by Sir James Parr of his office at the present time is desirable is that he is fully conversant with the marketing problems that are under discussion. In all the circumstances the Dominion will be better served by the appointment of Sir James Parr for a fresh term, than by the appointment of a new High Commissioner, who would not only be new to the duties, but would also have to make good his footing in official, financial, and commercial circles in London.