THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 83, 24 August 1912, Page 6

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

■ A FAREWELL INTERVIEW. NEW MARKETS' IN VIEW. ADVERTISING THE DOMINION. THE LONDON OFFICE AND STAFF. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent). Wellington, August. 22. The Hon. Thos. Mackenzie will leave for London by the Kaikoura to-morrow to assume the position of High Commissioner for New Zealand in London. He will be accompanied by Mrs. Mackenzie, Miss Mary Mackenzie, and one of. his sons. This evening Mr. Mackenzie gave a final interview prior to his departure. "I sail to-morrow," he said, "and I foe! that I must justify the many anticipations that have been expressed regarding my appointment as High Commissioner." Mr. Mackenzie said that he had endeavored to make himself familiar with the resources of the Dominion, especially its agricultural and pastoral products. In New Zealand the officers of the State were devoting themselves to the careful preparation, manufacture and get-up of the staple products, and the system of grading meat and dairy produce might be considered perfect. At the other end experts were engaged in reporting any changes, so that the changes might be made to suit the altered conditions. The policy in New. Zealand was closer settlement, and increased production. Similar lines were being followed in many other countries of the world, and it was, therefore, necessary that each producing country should have men apt and alert tokeep abreast of all others in developing already existing markets, and in widening the scope of the operations of the countries which- they represented. Mr. Mackenzie said that he thought that 4>y a carefully prepared series of ! cinematograph views illustrating the methods of grading, inspection and shipping, and showing typical fields, herds and flocks, New Zealand produce could be brought more closely and- more attractively under the notice of consumers. He considered that when lectures were to be-given arrangements sjiould be made with local traders to make excellent displays of produce, so that. those who heard the lectures could afterwards purchase the goods which they:-bad heard described. Regarding the London office, Mr. Mackenzie said ; that; he .hoped,, to investigate thoroughly the whol« r position. He had no doubt,that premises in one of the leading centres should be secured. He would go into the w;hole question of staffing and of; new premises, and would report tojthe, Government. New Zealand should„now be in a position to approach some. of.the continental nations with a view to opening up trade in produce. Any.student familiar ; with the stock depletion! that had oc- [ curred in many European,countries must realise that at no very distant-date supplies must come in from, abroad. In Germany 58 per cent. ! of the people desired that wholesomei food-should be admitted to the country,; and 41 per cent., including the agrarian and (the clerical party, were against the admission of foreign supplies. It was.ioniy .a question of time when the food-consuming community- would..be i in- a« majority. Canada had negotiated with France and I the Argentine had also secured 1 conces--I sions. Australia was also negotiating [for similar advantages.... New Zealand j could not lag behind these countries. In the Old Country changes were slow, and too much could not be.expected in I a short space of time:'' He noticed that | the shippers were taking an "all risk" , policy, and he held the opinion that thii I would act detrimentally to the proI ducers. Claims would be made under i this system, whether damage existed or ! not. He would advise companies not to depart from the present system of sales on the New Zealand graders' certificate. The aim of the Goyernment was to secure concessions in tariffs, so that New 'Zealand produce might be distributed over a wider field.

He was conscious of the high trust that had been placed in him, and it vrould be his constant endeavor to do his best for New Zealand. He would never forget the kindness that had been shown to him. He hoped to return to New Zealand again, and take part in the public affairs of the State. Any experience that he had gained, or any advice that he could' give, would always be at the service of the people of the country which had sent him to tho world's metropolis. His only desire was to settle down finally in New Zealand, where he could pursue the hobbies which had been such a lifelong pleasure to him. In a word, so far as his official position went he desired to do his very best for New Zealand.