N.Z. ENVOY IN U.S.A.

Southland Times, Issue 24357, 11 February 1941, Page 5

N.Z. ENVOY IN U.S.A.

ANNOUNCEMENT SOON SPECULATION ABOUT APPOINTMENT (Special to The Times) WELLINGTON, February 10. Speculation has been running high about who will be chosen for the important post of New Zealand representative at Washington. The question has been under consideration by the Government for some time, and though no information was available from official quarters today an announcement is not likely to be far off. In all probability it will be made simultaneously in Britain, Washington and New Zealand. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, has already indicated that the appointee will probably be a Minister, and this has given rise to much discussion about eligible personalities. One name frequently mentioned is that of the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, who as Minister of Supply and Munitions, now occupies an important key position in the Cabinet. It is understood, however, that Mr Sullivan is not keen on the idea, and would sooner retain his position as an active member of the Ministry. The Hon. P. C. Webb’s name has also been suggested. He has personal qualifications that cannot be overlooked, and in addition he would not be as difficult to replace as some of the other Ministers. Also, in the event of a byelection being required to fill the vacancy, the Government’s hold on the Buller seat would be strong enough to stave off any challenge. MR NASH’S QUALIFICATIONS The Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, is regarded as being a first-class man for this job, but because of his position as Minister of Finance and Deputy-Leader of the Government, he could scarcely be spared, though it has been suggested that he could be granted leave of absence sufficient to enable him to establish the necessary diplomatic contact, and then make way for a permanent appointee. This, however, is election year and Mr Nash will be wanted in New Zealand. Another Government member whose name has been put forward is the Hon. D. Wilson, Leader of the Legislative Council. He is reported to be a candidate for preferment in this matter and his departure would have this advantage, that it would not involve a byelection.

Though the names of one or two well-known professional men have been mentioned as eligible for the. post,. the Government, particularly in view of Mr Fraser’s statement, is hardly likely to go outside its own ranks.