MEMORIAL TO SIR J. MCKENZIE

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 566, 8 November 1902, Page 2

MEMORIAL TO SIR J. MCKENZIE

UNVEILED BY PREMIER,

AN INTERESTING CEREMONY.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, last night,

The tablet on the memorial cairn, erected on the l’ukewitabi Hill, near Shag ’ 1 mnm.",-” nf the late Sir John i oinu, “j McKenzie, for ffiiny years jum.Y!— * or Lands, was unveiled today by the Premier. The express train from Dunedin conveyed tho Mayor of Dunedin and some prominent citizens and members of both Houses, including Sir J. G. Ward, to Bushy Park station. A special train from Christchurch brought tho Premier and party and a number from Palmerston and surrounding districts wore presont. The Hon. A. Lee-Smith, presided, and before calling on tho Premier, passed a high eulogy on tho deceased statesman, showing what a fine cxamplo ho was to the rising generation. Ho won his way step by step with determination and exhaustless energy and incomparable zeal to the goal he had in view.

The Hon. J. Rigg read a report of the Memorial Committee, detailing the steps taken to erect tho memorial cairn and procure tho bust of Sir John from Mr Pegrim, sculptor, of London. The Premier then unveiled the tablet on the cairn, which bore the following inscription : “Erected by public subscription in memory of Hon. Sir John McKenzie, M.L.C., K.C.M.G , 1892. Born at Ardross, Scotland, October 18th, 1888; married Annie Munroe, of Glenclose, May 23rd, 1860; arrived in Otago 1860.” Thon follows particulars of public positions held. The Premier referred in eulogistic terms to the life, public and private, and tho legislation of his deceased colleague. Sir Joseph Ward then presented to tho McKenzie family a copy of the committee’s report on vellum, handsomely bound. Sir Joseph Ward also passed a oulogisrn on the late Sir John. It was, he said, a privilege for any ono to have been his friend, and it was still a greater privilege to have been closely connected with him. He had made a deep impression in tho niche of history, and left a record that would not be allowed to be passed into oblivion. The cairn would convey to all whose eyes rested upon it evidence of the kindly recollection of those who knew him best, and wero associated with him in some of the works of his remarkable life

Mr John McKenzie, on behalf of the family, thanked the Premier and Sir J. Ward for the handsome report of the -ommittce, and the others for being present. At the Premier’s request, as a last mark of reepect, all present uncovered for a minute, and the assembly dispersed. The Premier came on to Dunedin, and was formally welcomed by the Mayor. He will be presented with an address tomorrow.