THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 73, 13 August 1912, Page 5

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

ENTERTAINED AT ELTHAM. By Talegraph—Press Association. Eltham, Last Night. The Hon. T. Mackenzie has had a busy day. This morning he attended the Arbor Day ceremoney at the Eltham District High School, where he planted an oak. During a short speech he expressed his appreciation of the cordiality which had throughout been shown towards him by the electors 'of Egmont. He urged school committees and education boards to encourage tree planting by school children. Ho later motored to many parte of the district. At Kapuni he addressed the school children, and also planted an oak tree. A representative gathering of settlers were present. At Kaupokonui, the largest dairy factory in the world, the directors arid friends assembled at a social at which confidence was expressed at Mr. Mackenzie's appointment as High Commissioner. The remarks, which were most complimentary, were acknowledged by Mr. Mackenzie. At all the places visited great enthusiasm was displayed, and approval expressed of his acceptance of his new position, although there was regret at the severance of his connection with the electorate.

In the evening a social was held in Mr. Mackenzie's honor in the Eltham Town Hall, which was largely attended. Apologies were received for absence from Mr. Massey, whose political duties called for his presence in Wellington, and others.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr. T. Crump), who presided, extended the good wishes of the residents of Eltham to Mr. Mackenzie on his appointment as High Commissioner. He eulogised the many qualities Mr. Mackenzie possessed for ihe position, and said that he believed that he would render valuable service for the Dominion while at Home. Mr. Parrott, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, said that the general opinion expressed was that the right man had been selected New Zealand in the Homeland. It was to our best advantage to have a representative who would push our trade in the markets of the Old World. He predicted a prosperous career for Mr. Mackenzie. Mr. Marx said that if what Mr. Mackenzie had done as Minister of Agriculture was any criterion, he would be an unqualified success at Home. He referred to the splendid assistance he had been to the farming community in the past. Our large butter export demanded that we should have the most capable man at Home to look to our interests. He believed that Mr. Mackenzie had done the best thing in the interests of the Dominion in accepting the appointment. During the course of his remarks he mentioned that no fewer than two hundred men had been constantly employed in Eltham during the past two years in the manufacture of butter boxes, in which one and a quarter million pounds' worth of butter and cheese had been exported. The Hon. Mr. Carncross, M.L.C., in a reminiscent vein, referred to the progressive ideas which had characterised Mr. Mackenzie during his quarter of a century of Parliamentary life. He had done good work in the House, represent: ing no fewer than five constituencies, and had never suffered defeat. In his representation of New Zealand he would keep a watchful eye on the interests of New Zealand. The Hon. T. Mackenzie thanked those present for the gathering, which was most representative of the electors. He expressed appreciation of the kind reference to his appointment. He said that there were large public questions in the forefront, one of which probably was Imperial representation in defence matters. If they were going to hold the Empire together the outposts must be conferred with, in an endeavor to evolve some more satisfactory Imperial combination. Referring to his resignation, he said: "H it is the wish of you electors I will remain your representative until the day I sail from New Zealand. In the larger sphere of life in London I will apply the sam« energy that I displayed while administering the Department of Agriculture." If we were to continue to have the blessings of civilisation which we now enjoyed, he continued, we must make the most scientific and practical use of our soils. We must bring- into use every acre of land. The demand for land should be satisfied, and we must have the land populated foy'a vigorous race that can defend and occupy this country. Canada and Australia were displaying some concern regarding the influx of alien population. If we did not people our country other nations would do so. Asiatic influence was a death blow to the high standard of living of European people. In conclusion, he said that he would never forget the great kindness he had received at the hands of the electors of Egmont. He had endeavored to uphold the high standard traditions of Parliamentary life and it had ever been and would be his desire to give his services in the interests of the Dominion.