The Waikato Independent. PUBLISHED TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 1912. A GOOD START

Waikato Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1190, 3 August 1912, Page 4

The Waikato Independent. PUBLISHED TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 1912. A GOOD START

AS indicative of intention to work in the interests of the Dominion, irrespective of party, creed, or politics, the action of the Massey Government in appointing the Hon. Thos Mackenzie to the post of High Commissioner in London, promises well. Mr Mackenzie’s qualifications for the appointment are admitted on all sides. Having had a thorough business and commercial training, and possessing an exceptional knowledge of the requirements of the Dominion, particularly from an agricultural point of view, Mr Mackenzie is peculiarly fitted to represent New Zealand in the Old Country. That the High Commissioner’s office at present falls to secure an adequate return to the Dominion is probably recognised by Mr Mackenzie, and as a man of determination and purpose he can be relied upon to bring about radical changes in order to put the office on a sound business footing. As previously stated in these columns, “busy bees’’ and not “drones” are wanted for the official staff by which the High Commissioner is surrounded. Whilst the selection of Mr Mackenzie is universally commended by the New Zealand press it is none the less gratifying to find that no charge of ulterior motives has been brought against Mr Massey and his ministerial colleagues. It is an undoubted fact that possibilities of the Government capturing

the Egmont reat, now held by Mr Mackenzie, in no way influenced his appointment. Without problematical reinforcement of the Government following from the Egmont electorate Mr Massey feels secure in his occupation of the Ministerial benches, and it is significant that, although Parliament has re-assembled, there has been no talk current or move made towards challenging the rights of the Reform Party to carry on the administration of the country’s affairs. Sir Joseph Ward has certainly claimed in an interview that the situation is that a party, not possessing a majority of votes polled at the elections, is in power, but Sir Joseph speaks rather as a disappointed politician than as the mouthpiece of the Liberal party. Indeed it would only be leading a forlorn hope to attempt to overthrow Mr Massey, for the Opposition, as at present constituted, is split up into diverse factors without even a recognised leader. Next week the Government policy will be unfolded on the submission of the annual Financial Statement, and the country may look forward to an announcement of earnest determination to promote and develop in every possible way the interests of the Dominion as a whole and the wellbeing of its agricultural community in particular.