SIR J. ALLEN.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1926, Page 3

SIR J. ALLEN.

A FAREWELL LUNCHEON. [Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.! (Received tliis day at 11.0 a.in.) LONDON, July 8. Unstinted appreciation was paid to Sir James Allen’s services at the British Empire League’s luncheon, at which lie was the guest. Representatives of all sections of public life ineluding lion Ainery (Chairman), Lord Stradbroke, Lord Chelmsford, Lord Burnham, Lord Robert Cecil, Lord Li-

verpool, Emmott. Southborough, High Commissioners, Agents General, Sir 1 T. Mackenzie, Sir Francis Bell and , Steel Maitland.

Hon Ainery expressed the opinion that the personnel of the gathering representing London's busiest men in itself was a great personal, public tribute to a man who before, during and since the war had rendered the highest services to New Zealand and the Empire. His great work as Minister of Defence enabled New Zealand to discharge her war-time responsibilities. He subseuenqtly rendered tbe highest service in shaping public opinion towards the new conception of 'Empire partnership, aiming at the common welfare and prosperity. In London Sir .T. Allen’s personality strengthened the position of the High Commissioner’s office which was destined to play a more important part within the framework of the Empire’s constitution. His services to the League of Nations were ' great, but his greatest work was for the benefit of the League of British Empire, which was not only an instrument for peace, but a great unit seeking to benefit all concerned. He had succeeded in translating the New Zealand spirit to Britain and when be returns to New Zealand be will help to translate to bis countrymen the spirit of Britain, which was steadily emerging from all its difficulties. Sir James Allen waf loudly ovation ed. Ho acknowledged the tribute, pointing out he had never passed the statue of Cook in the Admiralty Arch without feeling the inspiration of'those colonisers, spreading the Empire. While appreciating all the work done for disarmament, he had been disturb-

ed from time to time when he consid-

ered the question of the defence of and New Zealand. A mine field laid in Cook Strait a wartime raider emphasised the necessity for foreseeing and preparing against what might happen twenty, thirty or forty years hence. The Washington

Pact had limited the construction of

battleships, but he was more concerned with ten thousand ton cruisers, ns

the Empire had more occasion for com-

munications than other countries. It was vital that any future, conferences in fixing the one power standard should adopt a standard of comparison with Britain, not with the whole Empire.

Mr Ainery, responding to the toast of his health reminded the gathering that it was the anniversary of Joseph Chamberlain’s birth. He expressed the opinion that Mr Chamberlain was not only a great administrator, but the first statesman far-sighted enough to realise the need for a policy of closer unity, which ultimately must prevail in economics as well as in other directions. Otherwise it was hound to lend to dsaster.