HIGH COMMISSIONER

Southland Times, Issue 18848, 14 June 1920, Page 5

HIGH COMMISSIONER

SIR THOMAS MACKENZIE HONOURED. FAREWELL BANQUET AT MANSION HOUSE. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON. June 10. Three hundred guests, representative of political, financial and commercial interests, attended the farewell banquet to Sir Thomas Mackenzie at the Mansion House, including the Lord Mayor, Lord Reading, Lord Sydenham. Lord Emmott. Lord Islington. Lord Blyth, Lord Jcllicoe,. Lord Whilbnnr and Sir lan Hamilton; the High Commissioner.' and Agent'-General of other dominions, Mr Watt, Mr Theodore, Sir James Mill-, the Hon. Pember Reeves ami Sir We.-tby Perceval. Lon! Milner, in proposing the toast of Sir Thomas Mackenzie's health, said lie was a man so various that he seemed to be all mankind’s epitome. With the exception of a character in one of Gilbert and Sullivan's plays no man seemed to equal Sir Thomas Mackenzie's .activities. ‘‘There are few of us in this country," he said, “who have not trembled when we knew that Sir Thomas Mackenzie was coming to complain about the treatment of New Zealand industries. However vigorous in his assaults on us in New Zealand’s interests there was never any soreness in controversy. He is that best kind of diplomatist who is always welcome.”

Lord Milner specially eulogised Sir Thomas Mackenzie’s war services. “We can never forget.’'’ he declared “the Dominion’s response to the Mother Country,” He quoted Genera! Godley, who, in expressing regret at his absence through illness, said; “We could always rely on Sir Thomas Mackenzie for every assists nee to our soldiers. In him ejl felt they had a good friend.” Lord Milner concluded by saying that Sir Thomas Ma-ckpnz'e had been a worthy representative of (he Dominion. lie believed we had not seen the end of his public activities. He hoped he would exercise them in England.

Sir Westby Perceval, Mr Fisher and Sir James Mills supported the toast. Sir Thomas Mackenzie, in replying, said ihat the war had disclosed the Empire’s sold and had showed the Allies anil their enemies (hat it was impossible to touch one part without incurring the resistance of the whole. V.’ith the corning of peace the Empire never had a better opportunity if they could get people to settle down to work, lie thought that much unrest was caused by profiteering, from which even the Government had not hern free. The greatest consideration of the moment was: •'What is this country’s policy to be towards the overseas dominions? Arc we to continue open doors to our enemies? Shall those of us who stood shoulder to shoulder receive no greater assistance than our enemies, who would have reduced us to slavery if they had won?” They must not debate Freetrade or Protection, but consider the interests of the countries constituting the 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 a department controlled by the Government the advisers were inexperienced. lie advocated a. systm of advisory councils, with committees acquainted with overseas requirements and conditions end familiar with trade in Britain. He congratulated the Dominion on Lord Jellicoe’s appointment. His advice would he invaluable on defence. At all costs we should maintain a navy and army equal to Imperial responsibilities. Emigration must also be viewer! from the Empire standpoint --it must not lie a matter of conflict between the Motherland and the Dominions. Lord Milner presented an influentially signed and illuminated address to Sir Thomas Mackenzie, testifying to his valuable services to Now Zealand and the Empire throughout the war. lie also alluded to the manner in which Sir Thomas Mackenzie and his wife assisted the New Zealand wounded, which created an enduring memorial in their hearts. He paid a tribute to his marked ability on toe Dardanelles Commission, giving to its deliberations practical and effective results.