NEW ZEALAND AFFAIRS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23511, 27 May 1938, Page 14

NEW ZEALAND AFFAIRS

INTEREST IN LONDON FINANCIERS WELL INFORMED NO EVIDENCE OF “WHISPERING CAMPAIGN ” (Per United Press Association) HASTINGS, May 26. Particular interest is taken in New Zealand in all quarters of London, particularly in financial and political circles. That was the impression gained by Mr E. J. Herrick, of Hastings, who has just returned home after a six months’ visit to England. While in London, Mr Herrick, who is a director of the Reserve Bank, called on Mr Montague Norman, governor of the Bank of England, and came in contact with many of the leading personalities in financial circles.

“ I found the High Commissioner, Mr Jordan, extremely popular with all classes. He is well liked, and is certainly proud of his position, and is more concerned about upholding the dignity of the office and of the Dominion than furthering any political interests. It can truly be said that his heart is in the right place.” It was noticeable how very wellinformed men in the city were regarding New Zealand, commented Mr Herrick. Although the fact that New Zealand had a Labour Government promoted more public interest, actually the principals of the big financial houses and banks were always informed about the political and economic activities of the dominions.

“I think it is highly improbable that these men would be in any way influenced by a ‘whispering campaign,’ as suggested by Mr Savage. I certainly heard nothing that in any way resembled such a campaign, and I cannot conceive of these men listening to damaging rumours, for the simple reason that they are already completely informed. They left me with the impression that there was very little any New Zealander could tell them about the financial position of the country.”