SIR JAMES PARR.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1926, Page 1

SIR JAMES PARR.

NEW HIGH COMMISSIONER ENTERTAIN*; I/. A ICELAND. .March 31. Congratulations were tendered to tin? High . .Commissioner-elect to-day at a complimentary luncheon attended by about one hundred and twenty members of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. at which Sir .lames Barr was the guest of honour.

The President of the Chinnier. Mr F A. Hellahy, in dl'cring congratulations to Sir James Pair on behalf of the business community of tlio city, said it was realised that Hit post of High Cimmissioner for X.Z. was an important one. requiring the services of a man of more than ordinal' ability and integrity. In Sir James an cxo.'llent choice had been made. Sir .lames said that it had been a matter of extreme gratification to him to know that lie had the confidence of the .people of New Zealand in his appointment, and it was particularly pleasing Hint 120 Auckland business men should have loft their offices on March 31st. of all days in the year, to come- and snv "Dell, Jimmy Parr, here’s good luck.” Notwithstanding that tlio duties of High Commissioner had been invaded by ihe Dairy Control Board and other Ixianls there were other duties which the High Commissioner had to perform, particularly in looking to the needs of those who were inquiring concerning topics close!v related to N*?w Zealand trade. He ventured the opinion that there would he no advantage in having a. Minister of iL I Crown in London in place of the High Commissioner. What constituency would allow its member to go to England for three years? Not

even the faithful' Eden would stand that. (Laughter). A Minister would not find himself in any stronger position than the High Commissioner, since no policy could he adopted till it had been submitted to and approved by the Prime Minister. Knowing the extent of the wide and general autliirty allowed the High Commissioner he was content to accept the responsibility. knowing that there would be work to do, and ho hoped that he would lx? able to discharge duties with satisfaction and the utmost benefit to the Dominion and Auckland. (Laughter).

In conclusion Sir James Parr said the gospel of greater production would have to bo preached with the same insistence as of old. He would like to ■see fewer imports and more exports. Tt was a regrettable fact that while ]trieos for primary products had soared the volume had either maintained the same level or dropped below it. Sir James instanced wlmt had been done in Denmark in the way of more intensive production. He said ho would do all in his power further to strengthen the bonds of Empire, and New Zealand could depend upon him to do his best.

Cheers wore given for Sir James Parr and the gathering was brought to a conclusion with the National Anthem.