SIR JAMES ALLEN

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1920, Page 3

SIR JAMES ALLEN

A WELCOME LUNCHEON

;Hv Electric Telegraph—Coay right.) (Received this day at 8.40 a.m.) LONDON, July, 12.

Sir Thos’. MacKenzie presided at the Australian and New Zealand luncheon to Sir .James Allen at Connaught Rooms. lairds Bryce, Blyth, Islington, Am cry, Ward, Mills, Agonts-General, and many Anglo New Zealanders and Australians were present. Sir Thos. MncKcnzie said lie was sure Sir James Allen would receive the same hospitality and courtesy that lie had received and he wished him well. Mr Amery in proposing Sir J. Allen’s health regretted Sir T. MacKcnzie’s departure He would carry with him the good wishes of those with whom he came n contact. Welcoming Sir J. Allen, he paid a. tribute to the work he had done in Now Zealand, as Minister of Defenc and Acting Premier. New Zealand’s record in the war, was beyond all credit. Heavy sacrifices were made :lu ring the war. Sir James 'Allen how came to England at a critical period of the relations within the Empire. There wore many problems to solve but the men who count in the Empire should be in personal touch with each other, if these problems were to be satisfactorily evolved. It was a. wise thing for New Zealand to send a man in such /lose touch with New Zealand 'views and aspirations. Therefore he cordially welcomed Sir J- Allen.

The latter replying, testified to the great work of his predecessor, which the Government fully recognised. He wished personally to thank him. New Zealand was intensely loyal to the Motherland and was wiling to help her in all her needs. The Royalty could best he maintained by closer contact between the statesmen of the various units. He; had no doubt himself that the Empire would outgrow all its troubles, through the great genius witn which the Motherland always met changes as they arose.