FAREWELL GATHERING.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1920, Page 3

FAREWELL GATHERING.

DEFENCE MINISTER ENTER-

TAINED

CHRISTCHURCH, April 20

Sir James Allen was the guest of all the Canterbury members of Parliament at afternoon tea, the only absentee being Dr Thacker. Eulogistic references were made to Sir James Allen’s services as Minister for Defence ,nlso to his work as a citizen and a. man.

•Sir James Allen, in replying, said he was deeply grateful for the unique honour done him that afternoon. He appreciated tlie fact that his political opponents as well as his political friends had combined to say kind things about himself and his work. In the task that was in front of him, as High Commissioner, he would know no party and he would ever treasure, as one of his best recollections, the function that afternoon.

To-night Sir James Allen was the guest of the Garrison Officers’ Club.

Colonels G. J. Smith. R. A. Cliaffey, and T. R, Creswell spoke in eulogistic terms of Sir James Allen’s work during the war period; and Sir James Allen in responding ,emphasised the necessity of continuing an efficient territorial defence system, not only from the point of view of the Dominion, hut of citizenship and business efficiency.