HIGH COMMISSIONER'S WORK.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 490, 10 August 1912, Page 3

HIGH COMMISSIONER'S WORK.

DUNEDIN SUGGESTIONS. The High Commissioner-elect (Hon. T. Mackenzie) attended a meeting of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce and heard suggestions from the members relative to the development of the Dominion trade. The chief points emphasised by tlhe speakers were the great scarcity of industrial hands and farm labourers. They al3o urged improved access to Continental markets, greater attention to the quality of stock for the Dominion, and reform of the office in London,-

In reply, Mr Mackenzie said that with increasing competition throughout the world it would be well to have more than one market for staple products,and it should be possible soon to obtain better access to Continental markets. The difficulty at present was with the tariff and regulations. He would devote a great deal of time to opening markets on the Continent, and also in America if possible. H 8 regarded the reorganisa-

tion of the LonJon office as absolutely necessary. They sought to get into Trafalgar Square or some other prominent position and he hoped to be able to do sumething approximating to what was being done by the Canadian Government or the Commonwealth. Regarding the complaint of the scarcity of labour, he cuuld see that there was easily room in New Zealand for another 50,000 people of the right class. He fully believed in opening up the country and securing more population. With reference to improving stock, he expressed belief in the policy of ' specialisation. He hoped to continue this, and to have expert officers in each department to a'dvise producers here. Mr Mackenzie expects to sail by the Kaikoura, leaving on the 22nd for London. Steps hwve been taken by the Mayor to organise a farewell function prior to his final departure from Dunedin.