HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 70, 9 August 1912, Page 5

HIGH COMMISSIONER.

RECEPTION IN CHRISTCHURCH. By Telegraph-Press Association. ti tt. , Last Night. '■Hie High Commissioner (the Hon. T. Mackenzie) met the members of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce and discussed suggestions for the improvement ot the Dominion's trade, both, at Home and locally. He was congratulated upon his appointment by Mr. F. E. Jones, vicepresident, , v ho sakl that the appointment of Mr. Mackenzie was regarded'as a wise step, both from a political and irom a business point of view Mr Mackenzie bad tbe confidence o-f all classes The first matter, he thought, was that of preferential rates, as the present .system was detrimental to the Empire's trade. There was also tbe question of cargo pilfering, which should be looked into.

-Mi-. A. 11. 'furnbull said that after more than a quarter of a century of pubic life, they could sav that Mr. Mackenzie was a straightforward, honest man. They could all feel satisfied ai Mr. Mackenzie's appointment, as they were sure lie could deal with questions tiiat came before him in a thoroughly ))racticaJ and efficient way. His occupancy of the position would lead to a very desirable disbursement of information, winch would tend to enhance the Dominions reputation. Mr. Mackenzie would go Home with the entire confidence of every one—political friend and foe alike-and with the good wishes of the agricultural and commercial classes Mr. Mackenzie, in reply, said that he hoped that if he could be of service to them at any time they would use him to the utmost. It stimulatedVhim to know that he went Home with the confidence of political friend and foe alike. If New Zealand's prosperity were to continue they would have to bring to the country the highest scientific and agricultural knowledge available. They 'had large tracts lying uncultivated,' and «the'se would have to ho dealt with. The pumice land and the gum lands corfxl be brought into use by the proper application of scientific methods. With that development they would have to find further outlets for their trade. \ speedy application to these matters was necessary, and if he could do anything to vindicate their good opinion ho'would do so. He would be glad to go into the matter of preferential rates, and he was hopeful that they would be able to establish reciprocal trade with France and Germany. He thanked them all very much for their congratulations and good wishes. (Applause.) Touching on the question of defence, Mr. Mackenzie said that many people had lost sight of the fact that there was the chance of war. fhey were living in a fool's paradise. He hoped that the question of defence would always be kept above party politics. Of those that would not recognise their responsibilities, he. said. "For God's sake let them get out of the country. It would lie better off without them'/' lie was glad, he continued, that a healthy public opinion did prevail in New Zealand on the question. Mr. Warren alluded to the site of the High Commissioner's offices in London and said that it was desirable that these offices should be in- a more central position. That was a matter which should he first taken in band in regard to their Home policy. Mr. Mackenzie said that he was sure that the present Government and the country were agreed that some change should lie made. Ho expected to brin* Hie ofhee up to the requirements of the time.