THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14432, 13 August 1912, Page 8

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER.

A BUSY, DAY IN HIS ELECTORATE. (PEESS ASSOCIATION TELEGBASI.) ELTHAM, August 12. The Hon. Thomas Mackenzie has had a busy day. He attended the Arbor Day ceremony 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. He later motored to many parts of the district. At Kapum ho addressed the school children, and also.planted an oak tree, * representative gatheiing of settlers being present. At Kaupokomii, the largest dairy factory in che world, the directors and friends nssembled at a social at which confidence \va& expressed at Mr Mackenzie's appointment as High Commissioner. The remarks, which were most complimentary, were acknowledged by Mr Mackenzie. At all places visited, grpat enthusiasm was displayed <vnd approval expressed of his acceptance of his new position, although there was regret of his severance of his connection with the electorate. # In the evening a social was held m Mr Mackenzie's honour in the Eltham Town Hall, which was largely attended. An apology was received for the absence of the Hon. W. F. Massey, whose political duties called for his presence in Wellington, and others. His. Worship the Mayor (Mr T. Crump), who presided, extended the cood wishes of the residents of Eltham to Mr Mackenzie on his appointment as High Commissioner. He eulogised the many qualities Mr Mackenzie possessed for tho position, and believed ho would render valuable service for the Dominipn while at Home. Mr Parrott, on behalf of the Chamber oil Commerce, said the general opinion expressed was that tho right man had been selected to represent New Zealand in tho Homeland. It was to our best advantage to have a representative who would push our trade in tho markets of tho Old World. He predicted a prosperous career for Mr Mackenzie. Mr Marx said if what Mr Mackonz:e had done a 9 Minister of Agriculture _xns any criterion, he would be an unqualified success at Home. He referred to the snlendid assistance he had been to tho farming community in the past. Our large butter export demanded that we should have the most capable mnn at Home to look to our interests. He believed Mr Mackenzie hod done the best thing in the Interests of the Dominion in accepting the appointment. During the course of his remarks ho mentioned thnt no less than two hundred men had been constantly employed in Elthani diiring thn past two years in the manufacture of. butter-boxes, m ■which one and a quarter million pounds worth of butter and cheese had been exported. The Hon. W. C. F. Carncroes. M.L.C., in a reminiscent vein, referred to the procrppsive ideas which had chnrncter'sed Mr Mackonrir during his cmarter of a century of Parliamentary I'fe. He had done good work in the Houpo, representing no less than fivo constituencies, and had never suffered defeat. Tn his representation of Now Zealand he would koor> n watchful eye on the interests of Now Zealand. Tho Hon. Mr Mackenzie thanked those present for tho gathering, which was most representative of the electors. He expressed appreciation of the kird reference to his appointment. He spid thpre were large public questions in the forefront, one of which probably was Imperial representation on dofopoe matters. If we were goitvj to hold the Empire together, the outposts must be conferred with in nn endeavour to evolve some more satisfactory Imperial combination. Referring to his resignation, ho said:—"lf it is the wish of the electors, I will remain your representative until the day I sail from New Zealnnd. In the larger sphere of life in London I willapply the same 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, we must make the and practical use of our soils; we must bring into use every acre of land. Tho demand for land should be satisfied, and we must have tho land populated by a vigorous race that can defend and occupy this country. Canada and Australia are displaying some concern regarding the influx of alien population. If we do not people our country other nations will do so. Asiatic influence is a deathblow to tho high standard of living of European people." In conclusion, he said he would never forget tho groat kindness he had received at the hands of the electors of Egmont. He had endeavoured to uphold the high traditions of Parliamentary life, and it had ever been, and would be, his desire to give his services in the interests of the Dominion.