AT SIXES AND SEVENS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143838, 12 July 1912, Page 3

AT SIXES AND SEVENS.

AUSTRALIA’S REPRESENTATIVES IN LONDON. (Sydney Sun Cable.) LONDON, July 4. An open rupture is reported between Sir George Reid and the AgentsGeneral, led by Mr. Coghlan, of New South Wales. Since Sir George Reid came to London the Agents-General have cqntiuuously shown deep resentment at the subordination of their importance and at the manner in which they are relatively overlooked by the Imperial vernment, the press, and the public. The consequence is that they have made the work of the Commonwealth officials as difficult as possible. Sir,George Reid and his staff have particularly suffered all sorts of petty annoyances and hindrances. The Agents-General, it is claimed, have repeatedly acted more like a lot of spiteful children than men in representative positions. It appeared, when a few weeks ago the States reluctantly. joined the Commonwealth in the combined exhibitions at agricultural, shows, that a bettor understanding had been reached. ~ The Commonwealth officials, however, committed the grave offence of labelling as Victorian a few pots of South ■Australian honey, and placed a West Australian photograph among some New South Wales views. The outraged Agents-General held an indignation meeting, and made an official protest. There is general acknowledgment hero of the admirable publicity and exhibition of work accomplished by the Commonwealth. The jealousy of the State representatives is notorious in Imperial official circles. The public generally map-els at the spectacle of six States working separate different emigration policies, and all pulling against the High Commissioner. Sir George Reid has displayed great tact and phenomenal patience, hut he seems to have had the last straw piled on to his back. It is now understood that bo is making strong representations to his Government on the subject.