SIR HARRY BATTERBEE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23685, 17 December 1938, Page 15

SIR HARRY BATTERBEE

MR MACDONALD'S TRIBUTE WELL FITTED FOR OFFICE LONDON, Dec. 15. Proposing the health of Sir Harry Batterbee, who has been appointed High Commissioner in New Zealand, at the Royal Empire luncheon, Mr Malcolm MacDonald said even in the light of recent criticism and the risk of again being assailed, he

would disclose that Sir Harry Batterbee played outrageously bad tennis, but that did not mar the office of a man with such outstanding personality, ability, doggedness, tact, knowledge, and understanding, and an indefatigable worker. The Dominions Office would be poorer for his departure and New Zealand the gainer. No strengthening of Anglo-New Zealand ties was needed, but if there were Sir Harry Batterbee would be the man to do it. Sir Harry Batterbee emphasised that in these days of trial of democracy the British Commonwealth represented democracy writ large and capable of solving all problems —for example, the Anglo-Eire agreement, in which he was Very proud to have assisted. Mr W. J. Jordan, presiding, raised a laugh by warning Sir Harry Batterbee that though he was indefatigable he would have to do his job in a 40-hour Week. Mr Jordan expressed New Zealand's gratification at Sir Harry Batterbee's historic appointment, for which Mr MacDonald had described him as a carefully selected champagne of excellent vintage to launch an epoch-making office. Sir Harry and Lady Batterbee will sail on February 2 on the Rangitata.