THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 83, 24 August 1912, Page 5

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

ENTERTAINED BY PARLIAMENTARIANS. THE IMMIGRATION QUESTION. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Prior to his departure for London to assume the duties of High Commissioner for New Zealand, the Hon. T. Mackenzie entertained members of the House of Representatives to-day at Bellamys. There was a large attendance. Replying to the toast of his health, proposed by Sir Arthur Guinness, Mr. Mackenzie said he felt New Zealand should be represented in a manner somewhat approaching Australia and Canada. He believed it was possible to do a little more in the Old Country than had been done in the past. Conditions were altering, and New Zealand required to be alert and abreast of the times.

Referring to Mr. Mackenzie when proposing the toast of "Mr. Speaker," the Prime Minister said that one of the most important duties devolving upon the High Commissioner was to induce a proper class of people to come to New Zealand. We wanted population' of fee ' right stamp. Wei did not want wasters. The High Commissioner's office needed reorganisation. New Zealand had never yet had value for the money expended. There was plenty of scope at Home for the Hon. T. Mackenzie's energy and ability. ''"■ t Sir Joseph Ward proposed the health of the Prime Minister, Mr. Massey replying. The toast of Sir Joseph Ward was \ proposed by Mr. Mackenzie. In reply, I Sir Joseph pointed out that last, year Canada had spent £fKK),OOO and Australia £400,000 on their High Commis- | sioner's departments, Canada having spent £150,000 in advertising alone. That was why those countries were attractinjr such attention. He was quite sure all the Agents-General and High. ( Commissioners had done their best, but we had not had enormous ' sums to' 1 spend. He advocated a change of site for the High Commissioner's office in ' London. i