SIR HARRY BATTERBEE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25736, 6 January 1945, Page 4

SIR HARRY BATTERBEE

HIGH TRIBUTE BY MR NASH (PA.) , WELLINGTON, Jan. 5. “ Sir Harry has proved in every way an outstanding High Commissioner. He has won the appreciation and respect of the New Zealand Government fqr the able, sincere, and tactful way in which he has conducted his office,” said the Minister of Finance, Mr W. Nash, to-day, paying a tribute on behalf of the Government to Sir Harry Batterbee, whose extended term of office will expire shortly. Mr Nash said Sir Harry’s term covered the whole of the war years, during which period he at all times worked in closest touch with the Cabinet (Ministers and officials for the furtherance of the common cause. His experience and wisdom were always available, and had been of the greatest assistance to the New Zealand war effort. The opening by Sir Harry in March, 1939. of the office of the United Kingdom High Commissioner in New Zealand was a landmark in New Zealand’s history. That office was now firmly established in the governmental machinery, not only because of its proven value, but also perhaps as much because of the personal qualities of the first High Commissioner. The New Zealand people had good , cause for gratitude that during this difficult period the High Commissioner was one who was intimately acquainted- with the policy and methods of the British Government. , , , " Sir Harry and Lady Batterbee have taken a deep interest in many cultural activities in New Zealand, and have made many firm friends, bv whom they will be greatly missed. The greatest and most sincere compliment I can pay,” Mr Nash concluded, “is to .say that they have deepened the affection that New Zealanders have for their British kinsmen and their respect for t’ e integrity of British government.