Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 1901. SIR JOHN M'KENZIE.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 7 August 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 1901. SIR JOHN M'KENZIE.

Among colonial politicians, the death of Sir John MTCenzie removes one of the more prominent figures of the past ten years. Sir John was born in Scotland on October 18th., 1838, and was therefore bordering upon 08 years of age. He came to Otago in the earlier days and followed the avocation of farmer. He was elected a member of the Otago Provincial Council, and in 1881 was returned to the House of Representatives. He speedily evinced a deep interest in land legislation. And during the session of 1882 while Mr. Rolleston’s Land Bill was before the House, came prominently into notice by his introductien of what was then known as the M'Kenzie clause. On the late Mr. Balance coming into office in 1890, Mr. M'Kenzie became Minister of Lands, which position he held until about two years ago, when ill health compelled him to resign. His land legislation is too recent and

too well known to require cdnlrhenty further than to emphasise the fact that it was a great stride in advance of previous laws. Two years ago he went home and underwent a severe operation, and for a time there were hopes of a complete recovery, but apparently the disease was too firmly seated; It soon re-appeared and yester* day proved fatal. John M'Kenzie—the name he was best known by—was a staunch friend, a strong party man, an uncompromising but generous' opponent. His death will be deeply regretted by all who knew him—by political friends and opponents alike. The country can well afford to have Parliament adjourned for a few days days to pay its respects to such a one.