AN IMPORTANT POST.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13479, 26 July 1912, Page 4

AN IMPORTANT POST.

THE GOVERNMENT AND ITS

FRIENDS

(Special to "Tha Colonist.")

Wellington, July 25. The Pj'ime Minister's intention to postpone until the meeting of Parlia-■m-ent any announcement regarding the High Commis'sionership was telograplied by me several days ago. and the rea-

son is now becoming quite apparent. The Government finds itself 1:1 the difficulty of having to choose between the urgent-claims of the- party and +ho necessity of selecting the most capable man for the position. The former leader of the party. Sir William Russell, is said to he keenly anxious to secure the office, while another section of the Reformers say they would prefer a solid business man for the representative of the Dominion at Home. They pin their faith upon Mr. John Duthie, 0, former member for Wellington, who- has never ceased his active association with the narty. Another ex-member, Mr. A. E. G. Rhodes, once Geraldine's representative in the House, is also named nn alikely High Commissioner. He i« a director of the New Zealand Shipping Company and a barrister by pro/ession. TSut aIL this competition cannot he P-aid tr> dispose of the Hon. T. "Mackenzie's prospects.