HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1514, 9 August 1912, Page 5

HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP.

MK. T. MACKENZIE CONGRATULATED. (By Telograpli.-rrcss Association.) Christchurch, August 8. The High Commissioner (Hon. Thus. Mackenzie) met members of tho Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, and discussed suggestions for the improvement of the Dominion's trade both at Home and locally. Ho was congratulated upon his appointment by Mr. P. B. Jones, vice-presi-dent, who said the appointment was regarded as a wise step both from a political and from a business point of view. Mr. Mackenzie had the confidence of all classes. Tha first matter ho should attond to was that of preferential rates, as tho present system was detrimental to tho Empire's trade. There was also tho question of cargo pilfering, which should bo looked into. Mr. A. H. Turubull said that after inoro than a quarter of a century of public life they could say that Mr." Mackenzie was a straightforward, honest man, and they could all feel satisfied at Mr. Mackenzie's appointment, as they wero sure ho could deal with tho questions that camo before him,in a thoroughly practical and efficient way. His occupancy of the position would lead to a very desirable disbursement of information, which would lend to cuhanco tho Dominion's reputation. Mr. Mackcuzio would go Homo with tho entire confidence of every one, political friend and foe, and with tho good wishes of tho agricultural and commercial classes. Mr. Mackenzie, in reply, hoped that if lio could be of service to them' at any time they would use him to the utmost it stimulated him to know that he went Home with the confidence of political friend and foe alike., If New Zealand's prosperity were to continue they Would have to bring to the country the highest scientific agricultural knowledge available, they had large tracts lying uncultivated, and theso would have to be dealt with; tho pumice land and the gum lands could be brought in by the proper application of scientific methods. With that development they would have to find further outlets for their trade, a heady application to these matters was necessary, and' if he could do anything to vindicato their good opinion ho would do so. Ho would bo glad to go into tho matter of preferential rates, and he was hopeful that they would bo ablo to establish rednroeaJ trade with Franco and Germany. He thanked them all very much for their congratulations and good wishes. (Applause.) Touching on the question of defence, Mr. Mackenzie said thai many pcoplo had lost sight of tho fact that there was tho chance of war; they were living in a fool's paradise. He hoped that tho question of defence would always bo kept above party politics. Of those that would not recognise their responsibilities ho said, "For God's sake let them get out of the country," it would be tetter off without them, ne was glad that a healthy public opinion did prevail in New Zealand on the question. Mr. Wavreu alluded to the site of the High Commissioner's offices in London, and said it was desirable that these offices should bo in a moro central position, that was a matter which should be first taken in hand. In regard to their Home policy, Mr. Maekenzio said Ire was sure ilie present Government, and the eoulilry wore agreed that some change should be, made, Ho e.tpecled to bring the office up to the requirements of the tilne.

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