FAREWELL TO SIR T. MACKENZIE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 222, 14 June 1920, Page 5

FAREWELL TO SIR T. MACKENZIE

BANQUET AT MANSION HOUSE

SERVICES WARMLY EULOGISED

BRITAIN'S OVERSEAS POLICY

Br Telegraph-Press ABsociation-Oopyrlgni

London, June 10. Three hundred guests, representative of political, financial, and commercial interests, attended a farowell banquet to Sir Thomas Mackenzie at the Mansion , House. They included the Lord jYoypr, Lords Beading, Sydenham, Emmott, Islington, Blyth, Jollicoo, and Whitburgh Sir lan Hamilton, the High Commissioners and Agents of tho other Dominions, Mr W. A. Watt,-Mr. Theodore, Sir James MitJs, and Mr. W. Pember Reeves.

Lord Milner, in proposing the toast of air .tliomns Mackenzie, said he was a man so various, that he seemed to bo all mankind's epitome. With the exception of a character in ono of Gilbert and Sullivan's plays, no man seemed to equal Ins activities. "There axe few of us in this country," ho said, "who have not trembled when we knew Sir Thomas Maokonzie was coming to complain about the treatment of New Zealand industries. But however vigorous he una in his assaults on us in New.Zoaland's interests, thero was never any soreness in the controversy. He was that best kind of diplomatist who is always welcome." Lord Milner specially eulogised Sir Thomas Mackenzie's war service. Tliey could never forget tho Dominion's response to tho Mother .Country. He quoted General Godley, who, expressing regret for His absence through illness, said: "We could always rely on Mackenzie for every»,assistance to our soldiers. In him we all felt we had a good friend." Lord Milner concluded that Sir" Thomas Mackenzie had been a worthy representative of his Dominion. He believed ho had not seen the end «f his public activities, nnd hoped he would' cxerciso them in England. Sir George Perley (High. Commissioner for Canada), Mr. Andrew Fisher (High Commissioner for Australia), and Sir James Mills supported' the toast.

Sir Thomas Mackenzie, in reply, said' the war bad disclosed the soul of tho Empire, and had showed Allies and cr.emies that it was impossiblo to touch one part without incurring the resistance of tho whole. With the coming of peace, tho Empire never bad a better opportunity, if the peopte could be got to settle down to work. He thought much unrest was caused by profiteering, from which even tho Government had not been free. The matters of greatest consideration for the moment were: What was.this country's policy to bo towards, the ovorseas? Were we to continue to open tho doors to our enemies? Were these of ue who stood shouldor to shoulder to receive no' greater, assistance than tho enemies who would have reduced us to slavery if they had won? Wo must' not debate' freetrado or protection, ho continued, but must, consider the interests of the countries which consituto the Empire,. and frame laws to give advantages to our own people. He had great, hopes from tho. Department of Overseas Trade, if it waa efficiently officered. Unfortunately in the Department controlled by the Government tho advisers were inexperienced. He advocated a system of advisory councils, with committees acquainted with overseas requirements and conditions, and familiar with trade in Britain. He congratulated tho Dominion on Lord Joliicoe's appointment as Governor-Genoral. His advice would be invaluable on defence. At all costs we should maintain a navy and army equal to _ the Imperial', responsibilities. Emigration must be also viewed from the Empire standpoint, and.ii.-ust not be a matter of conflict between tho Mother Country and the Dominions. Lord Milner presented the guest with an influentiially-signed illuminated address, testifying to tho High Commissioner's valuable sen-ices to New Zealand and the Empire throughout the war, and also the manner in which lie and his wife had assisted tho New Zealand wounded nnd created an enduring memorial in their hearts. The address also refers to his marked ability as a member of tho Dardanelles Commission, as giving to its deliberations practical and effective results.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.