THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10694, 15 August 1912, Page 5

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

ENTERTAINED IN WELLINGTON

(By 1 t»t>nrn TM — Pretx t xxncinMon.) WELLINGTON, Last Night. : I High Commissioner Mackenzie was entertained at a banquet to-night by the Chamber of Commerce, about seventy persons being present. Mr Mabin, the president, occupied the chair. The Hons W. F. Massey, A. L. Herdman, and F. M. B. Fisher were present. Apologies were received 'from other Ministers and Sir Joseph Ward. i The chairman, in proposing Mr Mackenzie's health, said commercial ! men felt that Mr Mackenzie was the . right man in tlie right place. It was ; creditable to the Massey Government to appoint a man of contrary political opinion. Mr' Mackenzie had always kept a grip of trade and commerce t and kept abreast of the times. Busi- ! ness men hoped that when he reached i London he would reorganise the staff and office of the High Commissioner, j and would see that for every pound spent New Zealand got twenty-five shillings in return. They hoped ho | 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 peo- , pie at Home that New Zealanders J were lovers of peace, but at the same time would spend their last pe.n'ny for the Empire if need arose. I The Hon Mr Mackenzie was accorded an ovation. He said he would always do his best for the Dominion, 'and see it was properly, represented. I He would attend to all the sugee:-,-]tions mentioned by Mr Mabin. New Zealand's interests must no longer be side-tracked, as at present. They I would try and secure a more centrai London office. There had been a waste of money at various exhibitions. He hoped lo be able to get New Zealand meat on to foreign markets. _ He would always endeavour to merit the confidence reposed in him. The Hon W. F. 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 endeavour to prevent friction, and keen the of industry running froelv. He I thought Mr Mackenzie would prove an admirable man as High Commissioner, a,s he believed in his country and in himself. He had. a long commercial and political experience,-. He hoped Mr Mackenzie would arrange for suitable emigrants. I Mr C. W. Jones responded, complij menting the Government on its magl naminity in appointing Mr Mackenzie. Under other circumstances Mr Mackenzie would doubtless have been pleased to appoint Mr Massey.