SIR T. MACKENZIE

Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1920, Page 3

SIR T. MACKENZIE

A FAREAVELL BANQUET-

ißy Electric Telegraph—Cony right;.! (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) /• LONDON, June 1(). Three hundred guests, representative of political financial and eofrunprcial interests, attended a farewell banquet to Sir Thomas Mackenzie at thp Mansion House, picludipg the Lprd. Mayor, Lord? Reading, S.ydeplianr, Emmett, Islington, Blyth, ’ Jellieoe, AVhiteburgh, lan Hamiltop, thp High Copmmsloners, Agcnts-General of other Dominions, Mr Watt, Mr Theodore Mills, Pember Reeves, and Percival. Lord Milner in proposing the toast of Sir T. MacKenzie’s health said he was a man so various, that lie seemed t° 10 all manknd’s epitome, with the exception of, a character' in one of , Gilbert’s and Sullivan’s plays. Np man seemed to equal Mackenzie's activities. There are few of us in this country who have not trembled when we knew MacKenzie was coming fo complain about the treatmpnt of N.Z. ipdustrjes. However vigorous ip his assaults on us in New Zealand’s interests, there was} never any soreness in the controversy. He was that best kind of diplomat who was always welcome. More especially hq eulogised Mnckepzip’s war services. We cap never forget thp Dominipn’s response to thp Mother Country. ,P e quoted General Godley who in expressing his regret at his absence, thrqugh illness, said: “Ale could always rely on Sir T .Mackenzie for every assistance to our soldiers. In him all feltthey had a "ood friend. Lord Milner concluded, that Mackenzie had hpen a worthy representatve of his Dominion. He believed we had not seen the, end of his public activities. He hoped he would exercise them in England. Perley Fisher an cl Mills the toast.

Sir T, MacKenzie replying said the war had disclosed the Empire’s soul aud showed the Allies and enemies alike that it was impossible to touch one part with . out incurring the resistance of t e whole. With the coming of peace, the Empire never had a better opportunity to get the people to settle down to work, though much unrest was caused by profiteering from which, even the Government had not been free. Tbo great est consideration of the moment was what this country’s policy was to be towards the Overseas Dominions. Are we to continue open doors to our, enemies or shall those of us who stood shoulder to shoulder receive no greater assistance than our enemies, who would have reduced us to slavery if they had •won. We mustvot debate free trade or protection, hut consider the interest o the countries, the constitution of the Empire and frame laws to give advantages to our own people. He had gi ■ hopes for the Department of Overseas trade if it was efficiently officered. TJn fortunately in a Department by Government, the advisers ueie inexperienced. . He advocated a system of Advisory Councils with committees ae quainE with Overseas requirements and co - ditions, familiar with trade in Bv.taui He congratulated the Dominion of ’ Lord JelUcoe/.s appointment. Hi? advice would be invaluable on defence. At all costs we should maintain .he navy and army equal to Imperial sponsibfilities- Emigration must aU be viewed from the Empire standpoint arid must not be a matter of conflict between the. Motherland and Dominions. Lord Milner presented an influentially signed and illuminated address to Sir T MacKenzie testifying to his valuable services to New Zealand and the Empire throughout the war. He also alluded to the manner m which MacKenzie and his wife had ass.suNew Zealand wounded, which create an endearing memorial in their hearts. He paid a. tribute to his marked ability on the Dardanelles Commission, giving to its deliberations practical • effective results &