THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 75, 15 August 1912, Page 5

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

BANQUET TO MR. MACKENZIE. By Telegraph—Press Ase*»i*tio». Wellington, Last Night. The High Commissioner, Mr. T. Mackenzie, was entertained at a banquet tonight by the Chamber of Commerce. About seventy were present. Mr. Mabin, president, occupied the chair, and Messrs. Massey, Herdman and Fisher were present. "Apologies were read from other Ministers and from Sir Joseph Ward.

The chairman, in proposing Mr. Mackenzie's health, said that commercial men felt that Mr. Mackenzie was the right man in the right place. It was creditable to the Massey Government to appoint a man of contrary political opinions. Mr. Mackenzie had always kept a grip of trade and commerce, and kept abreast of the times. Business men hoped, when he reached London, that he would reorganise the staff and the office of the High Commissioner, and would see that for every pound spent New Zealand got twenty shillings in return. He hoped he would do his best to divert the stream of emigration more strongly to New Zealand, and that he would give consideration to the question of preferential trade. They knew he would look after the frozen meat industry, and perhaps could open Continental markets. Finally he could tell the people at Home that New Zealanders were lovers of peace, but at the same time would spend their last penny for the Empire if need arose. Mr. Mackenzie was accorded an ovation. He said that he would always do his best for the Dominion, and see that it was properly represented. He would attend to all suggestions mentioned by Mr. Mabin. New Zealand's interests jnust no longer be side-tracked as at present. They would try and secure a more central London office. There had been waste of money at various exhibitions. He hoped to be able to get New Zealand meat on to foreign -markets. He would always endeavor to merit the confidence reposed in him. Mr. Massey, in proposing the toast of "Commerce," said that as long as he controlled the great departments of which he was now in charge he would endeavor to prevent friction and keep the wheels of industry running freely. He thought that Mr. Mackenzie would prove an admirable man as High Commissioner, as he believed in his country and himself. He had a long commercial and political experience. He hoped Mr. Mackenzie would 1 arrange for suitable emigrants.

Mr. C. W. Jones responded, complimenting the Government on its magnanimity in appointing Mr. Mackenzie. Under other circumstances Mr. Mackenzie would doubtless have been pleased to appoint Mr. Massey.