HON. T. MACKENZIE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1517, 13 August 1912, Page 5

HON. T. MACKENZIE.

VISIT TO ELTHAM. SOCIAL GATHERING AND SPEECHES. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) rn, TT rm , ElthaiM, August 12. Tlio Hon. Thos. "Mackenzie attended the Arbor Day ceremony at Eltham District liigh x School, where he planted an oak. During a short speech ho expressed his appreciation of the cordiality which had throughout been shown towards hiin by the electors of Egmont. He urged school committees and education boards to encourage tree-planting by school children. He subsequently motored to many parts o£ tho district. At Kapuni he addressed the school children, and also planted an oak tree, a representative gathering of settlers being present. At Kaupnkonui, tho largest dairy factory in the world, tho directors and friends assembled at a social, at which confidence was expressed m llr. Mackenzie's appointment as High Commissioner. Remarks which were most complimentary were acknowledged by Mr. Mackenzie. At all places visited great enthusiasm was displayed, and approval expressed of his acceptance of his now position, although there was regret at tho severance of his connection with the electorate. In tho evening a social gathering was hold in Mr. Mackenzie's honour in tho Eltliam Town Hall, which was largely attended. An apology was received for tho absence of the Hon. W. F. Masscy, whoso political duties called for his presence in Wellington and others. His Worship tho Mayor (Mr. T. Crump), who presided extended tho good wishes of-the residents of Elthara to Mr. Mackenzie on his appointment as High Commissioner. Ho eulogised the many qualities Mr. Mackenzie possessed for the position, and believed he would render valuable scrvice for the Dominion while at Home. Mr. Parrott, on behalf of tho Chamber of Commerce, said the general opinion expressed was that the right man had been selected to represent New Zealand in tho Homeland. It was to our best advantage to havo a representative who would pusji our trade'in tlie markets,of the Old World. He predicted a. prosperous career for Mr. Mackenzie.

Mr. Marx said if what Mr. Mackenzio had done as Minister for Agriculture was any criterion, lie would bo an unqualified success at Home. He referred to tho splendid assistance he had been to the farming community in the past. Our large butler export demanded that we should have tho most capable man at Homo to look to our interests, ne believed Mr. Macken2ie had Jono the best thing in the interests of the Dominion iu accepting the appointment. During the course of his remarks he mentioned that 110 less than two hundred men had been constantly employed in Eltluim during the past, two years in the manufacture of butter boxes, iu which time one and. a quarter million pounds' worth of butter and cheese had been exported. The Hon. Mr. Carncross, M.L.C., in a reminiscent vein, referred to tho progressive ldeils which had characterised Mr. Mackenzie during his quarter of a century of Parliamentary life. He had done good work in tho House, representing no less than five constituencies, and had never suffered defeat. He would keep a watchful eye 011 the interests of New Zealand. Tho HOll. T. Mackenzio thanked those present for the evening gathering, which was. most representative of tho electors. He expressed Appreciation of the kind reference to his appointment. He said there were large public questions in the forefront, one of which probably was Imperial representation 011 doience mattcr.i. If we were going to hold the. Empire together, tlio outposts must be conferred with in an endeavour to evolve some more satisfactory Imperial combination. Referring to his resignation, ho said: "If it is the wish of you, electors, I will remain your representative until the day I sail from New Zealand. In the larger sphere of life in lxmdon I will apply the same energy that. 1 displayed while administering the Department of Agriculture." If we were to continue to have tlio blessings of civilisation, he ta.id, which we now enjoyed.- v.» must make the rih; -' fir. am! [i'-.'K-f ;,Yt] use of oui sr!=. V.'e must hrin» k-to uMiovery aem of hmt. The 'V'liinii'i for !■*>n. 1 should be satisfied, and we must have the Jaml iKvpnlflv-d by a rigorous race that can defend and oceupy this country. Canada and Australia wore displaying some concern regarding the influx of alien population. ff wo did not people our co-mtry other nations would do so. Asiatic influ'enee was a death-blow to the high standard of living of European people. In conelusion he said he would never forget the great kindness ho had received nt tlio hands of tho electors of Egrnonf. He had endeavoured to uphold the high traditions of Parliamentary life, and it had ever been and would bo his desire to give his- servicus iu tho interests of the Dominion