SIR JAMES ALLEN'S SERVICES

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3140, 19 July 1917, Page 4

SIR JAMES ALLEN'S SERVICES

SUGGESTED RRESFISTATION IK RECOGNITION. By Tclcsrraph—Preas Association. Christchtirch, July 18. A public meeting was held tg-day to consider the question of making a presentation to Sir James Allen in recognition of the manner in which-ho carried out bis onerous duties during the absence of Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward- „,, j i. The Mayor, Mr. H. Holland, who presided, said tho movement was devoid of party interest, and [proceeded to pay a tribute to Sir James Allen's services to tho State and tho Empire. He also mentioned that movements were afoot eisewhere to present Sir James, with soma memento of his work for the Dominion. Mr A. E. G. Rhodes supported the proposal, and mov«*l that all present form themselves into a committee to further the project. Mr F. Shacklock condemned the movemeht, saying it was only courting failure. The rank and file of Christehurcli wonld have notbinff to do with it. Mr. Hiram Hunter said he thought a vote of condemnation would better represent the feelings of the workers than a testimonial or presentation. The ten months Sir James Allen had been head of affairs had been a series of bungles, and Sir James Allen and tho Government had entirely failed to take the people into thoir confidence. 'Mr William Nicholls supported Mr, Rhodes's motion, and deprecated the r<y marks of tho two wcvions speakers. Mr. John Andersoi, in supportmpr the proposal, said he had been assomatM with Labour all his life, and would like to sav that the statements made as to the attitude of the workers were unTho Mavor pointed ouit tbat there was no compulsion whatever on the working man or anybody else-to support tho movement. • „ _, ,„. Mter further disoussion Mr. Rhodes s motion was carried and a subcommittee was set tto to decide what form tno presentation sbould take.