Valedictory.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 144, 22 June 1904, Page 2

Valedictory.

MH JAMES MACKENZIE. Ilefore proceeding with the ordinury business at the Lund lioard yesterday morning, Mr lleslop moved ' That the Tarunaki Land Boaitl unanimously places on record its high appreciation of tho services rendered to this land district by the latepommissioner, Mr James Mackenzie, now promoted to Auckland. The 'board particularly wishes to testify to the untiring iinergy and zeal displayed by its late Commissioner in the exploration and development of new country, the interest aind sympathy taken in the conditions and struggles tiliat back country settlers- have to contend with, most of whom he has visited personally. The board, whilst pleased to see his genuine merit recognised in such a marked manner by the Government, regrets Ihe loss sustained to Tarannki and the Crown taunts here who as a t«Aly have the fullest confidence in Mr Mackenzie's policy of land administration. The board rifflieslf) that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to tho Higilit Hon. tiie Premier, the lion. Minister for Lands, u»l the •Surveyor-General." J Mr Kattfnlmiy seconded, ami after euch member had spoken to the motion, it, was carried unanimously Mr Mackenzie, in reply, thunkwl the members of tile bourd for their kind expressions and appreciation of Ills administration, and referred 'ouefly to tiie work he had performed during his short stuy in 'i'aranuki. Air Mackenzie 11K*n handed in the lolloping letter, which the board iji-cktavl io record in tho minutvs ■;Nc-w Plymouth, 21st June, l»04. Io the Members of tlio Tarunaki Land Hoard, "Gentlemen,—As. you nro doubtless awaiv J have no longer the honour Of Crown Lands lor the, 1 aranaki land district and •tuairman of your board. 1 eun as•suie you that it is with feewings of live deepest personal regret on my part that 1 find thy cordial ivlnlion- • Jup and co-operation thai J,as ex■suxl during the past two i,',.d u J,l "f J L ' l "' s so suddenly b,oug.,t to all end. 1 have to thank e\er\ nieinW 01 the board for the lojnl anil Kindly conwidei alion at all times Kiven to me, for ul though there have !.>.'L-n times when we were not of the •jaiiie mind, still our differences (nnu ihey were few) only came übout by the ruling desire to do whatever wan the Very best in the interests ol deserving settlers and of settlement. My connection with this district will always be looked upon by me as one of tlie happiest memories of niv rii'c, tor although the work in llie back country at times has been arduous, the us.vi.stance und s'upport it lius IVcn my privilege to receive irom the Land Hoard, my slair, as well as the settlers themselves, has Ij.vn most gin.; lying and encouraging througfiou'tv e need hardly add I hat Wherever i„y lot in life is cast, 1 will at all tunes take the warmest interest in your impurtu'iit district, with its sottloui«nt, scenic und historic possibilities, as yet I regret | K ;'- v ' on| y partially developed. 1 ' Jest wishes for your and its mure prosperity,—i re main, gentlenien, yours faithfully, JAMES MACKENZIE."

Just before the luncheon adjournment opportunity was taken by the Lund Hoard and the stulf of the local ijands and Survey OUiee, to bid guodtiye to Air James Mac kenzic. rhe new Commissioner, Air Simpson, on behali of the jLniid Hoard and the stall, presented Air Mackenzie with a gold al'bert and greenstone pendant nM a token of the esteem ami respect in which he was held by them, ami in doing so referred to the eulogistic l'umarks made an to Mr Mackenzie's aiUlity and earnestness in advancing die district, and to the general rerfivt cxpiv&sud at his departure. As his successor he (Air Simpson) re cognised the gpotl work already done by Air Alackeiizie, and ho " woulu leave no atone unturned and woulu endeavour to continue the udmimstration hero on the same lines us his predecessor. (Applause.) Air Alackeiizie, in replying, said ihut personally he regretted verj much Nevering his connection with I lie Land Hoard and tile utalf, iron, whom he had always received the most cordial us.v,.slunce. tie, Uianke. ihem very kimily f o r Ull . , M L ._ v ll in.i'tiO Jiiia, V\iHcu lit; wouvu uni ami srtiiMl he wouM alwuvs uikot'.v deepest interest in the 'luiuiv 0 . I'uranuki. (Applause). •Mr lleslop (ii„. senior member; spoke also o„ behalf of the I.anu ilcand, and referred to the cordial rululioms Which had ulwuys existed taU'een Air Alackeiizie „„d th( . l>oa,d and when differences had ocK "T « IT onlj ' us »t.utud hj Air Aluekenzie, a desire to do "hat was best i„ tho i llturuwta of Sva, ars^r 8 iat iiis iu, " : The pleasing little ceremony was then ended by .he nssembM company Mnging -for he's a joliv go I 'u T', lU ' d WUh fl " Vu for Ail Alackeiizie, and for Mrs Alacken/•»c and lamily. J lie two ('oihinj,-i.iotuTi; Alackeiizie and Sampson," and' Mr Bannister, chief clerk, were entertained by the members of the .board at lunch at tho White llart Hotol.