PARTING WORDS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10615, 14 June 1920, Page 6

PARTING WORDS

SIR T. MACKENZIE SPEECHES AT A FAREWELL BAXQUET. A SPLENDID RECORD. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, Juno. 10. Three hundred guests, representative of political, financial, and commercial interests, attended a farewell banquet to Sir Thomas Mackenzie at tho Mansion House. They included the Lord Mayor, Lords Reading, Sydenham, Emmott, Islington, Blyth, Jellicoe, and Whitburgh, Sir lan Hamilton, tho High Commissioners and Agents of tho other Dominions, Mr W. A. Watt, Air Theodore, Sir James Mills, and Air W. Pembor Beeves. Lord Alilucr, in proposing tho toast of Sir Thomas Alnckcnzio, said he was a man so various that he seemed to be ’all ’mankind's epitome. With tho exception of a character in one of Gilbert and Sullivan's plays, no man seemed to equal his activities. “There are -few of us in this country,” ho said,- “who have not trembled when Wo knew Sir Thomas Alackenzio was coming to complain about tho treatment of New Zealand 'industries. But, however vigorous he was in hie assaults on us In Now Zealand’s interests, there was never any soreness in the controversy. He was that best kind of diplomatist who is always welcome.” Lord Milner specially eulogised Sir Thomas Mackenzie’s war service. They could never forget the Dominion’s response to the Mother Country, ..He. quoted General, Godley, who, expressing regret for his absence through illness, said: “Wo could always rely on Mackenzie for every assistance to "our soldiers. In him we all-felt we had-a good friend.’’ Lord Milner concluded that Sir Thomas ■Mackengic r * , had”*faecrt~*’ar~worthy representative of his Dominion. He believed he had not seen ’thS end of bis public activities, and hoped ho would exorcise them in England. Sir G. H. Perley (High Commissioner for Canada), Mr Andrew Fisher (High Commissioner for Australia), ’ and’ Sir' James Mills supported the toast. Sir Thomas Alackenzio, in reply, eaid the war had disclosed the soul of the Empire, and had showed Allies and enemies that it wag impossible to touch one part without incurring tho resistance of tho whole. With tho coming of -peace; the -Empire never had-ii-better opportunity, if the people could be got to settle down to work. Ho -thought much unrest was caused by profiteering,-from which even the Government had not been free. Tho matters of greatest consideration for the ' 'moment' were-: 'What was this country's policy to he towards the ovCrSea's? 1 * Wbf a' vi-e" to' continue to open* the' doors to our enemies? Were those of ns who stood shoulder to shoulder,, tp,.receiyc,,no„, greater assistance than, the enemies who would hare reduced ns to slavery if they had won?”'” •

" We must not debate frectrade or protection, he 'continued, hut must consider the interests of the countries which constitute tho Empire, and frame laws to give advantages to our own people. He had great hopes from the Department of Overseas Trade, if it "Was efficiently ■ officered. Unfortunately, in the department controlled by the' Government the advisers were inexperienced. He advocated a system of advisory councils, with committees acquainted with overseas requirements and conditions, and familiar with trade in Britain. H© congratulated the Dominion on Lord Jellicoe’s appointment as GovernorGeneral. His advice would be invaluable on defence. At all costs we should maintain a navy and aim? equal to the Imperial responsibilities. Emigration must be' also . viewed from the Empire, standpoint, and must not be a matter of conflict between the Mother Country and the Dominions. Lord Milner presented tho guest with an influentially-signed illuminated address, testifying to the High Commissioner’s valuable services to New Zealand and the Empire throughout the war, and also tho manner in which he and his wife had assisted the New Zealand wounded and created an enduring memorial in their hearts. Tho address also refers to his marked ability as a member of the Dardanelles Commission—ao- giving to_ its deliberations practical -and effective results.