THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1526, 23 August 1912, Page 7

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

« 'FAREWELL BY PRESSMEN. Congratulations and good wishes were extended to the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie, the new High Commissioner, at a gathering of the Parliamentary Press Gallery last evening. An interesting speech was made by Mr. Mackenzie in his reply. Tho pleasure with which pressmen regarded Mr. Mackenzie's appointment, and their good wishes to him in his important office were expressed by the chairman, of the gallery.' Appreciative remarks regarding their happy relations with him, and of the kindly manner in which ho has always treated the journalistic profession were made by Mr. J. 0. Browne (vicp-chairman of the gallery), Mr. 11.I 1 . K. Reeves,' arid-Mr.-Malcolm Ross. 1 "I was not awaro that I was thought anything of by the 'members of the gallery/' said Mr.. Mackenzie when his health had been cordially toasted. "1 have always found them a body of gentlemen, I havo had had a good'many confidences with members of the gallery, and I have never given a confidence that has not been observed. So long as you keep tho standard of men in your gallery that you have now the public and public meil may never have any anxiety or concern." Mr. Mackenzie said ho was going Homo nt a very peculiar period in New Zealand's history as a producing country, and a very important period in tho history of the Continent in regard to food production. ,Every country must bo alert and abreast of. the times if it would secure a footing in the markets that would inevitably be opened in a very short time. -He believed he would be backed up by tho Government. He was going to make certain proposals, which ho was sure would be considered. . "I am coming back to this country," said Mr. Mackenzie. "Great kindness has been shown to me since this honour .was conferred upon me, and I am going to come back, and. if the people will have me, take a share in the public life of the country again. I have followed almost every occupation in this-.c.ounfry, and .1 deenly love it and all that pertains to it. With the widened experience that 1 shall gain, it is my duty to offer my services to the people if.they want theni. If not I shall, follow my hobbies and- lead a very happy life."