THE NEW STRAND OFFICES.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15263, 27 April 1915, Page 8

THE NEW STRAND OFFICES.

INTERTtfEW WITH HON. T. MACKENZIE. A ROYAL CEREMONY PROMISED. Oraou our own LONDON, March 16. In the course of an interview with the High Commissioner to-day, a representative of "The Press" ascertained that, although there is to be no Royal ceremony at the laying of the foundation-stone of the New Zealand offices in the Strand, yet the new building will not be without its Royal recognition. The most troublesome work, namely, the foundations of the offices, are completed, and a considerable portion of the first storey also. In explaining the situation to mc Mr Mackenzie said: So long as the war continues, the King thinks he should not perform such ceremonies, but later on his Majesty says ho will be pleased to place a memorial tablet in the building. I deferred at once to this Royal wish, and his Majesty afterwards expressed his pleasure that I so readily agreed to his suggestion. I was asked by the King to explain to the people of New Zealand the reason for this change from what had previously been arranged. "When do you expect this will take place?" "We expect the building to be finished about August or September, if things proceed satisfactorily. If the war is over, which we hope it may be, his Majesty will then honour New Zealand by performing this Royal ceremony." "Among other things, I understand that the offices have been designed in accordance with your scheme for the wider development of New Zealand trade?" Mr Mackenzie replied: Yes, that is so. ~ But I cannot go into the matter now. It is too largo for an interview of this nature. I may say I have studied very closely the conditions of New Zealand's produce. I have seen some of the drawbacks from which it suffers, and how conditions may be jm- ' proved. Also I have been watching the possibilities of, and extending, markets, which work, owing to the war has been somewhat interrupted. There will also be on the Continent opportunities when the war is over of doing permanent good in securing, outlets hitherto closed against us, and even of displacing produoo in tho Home Country now supplied by foreigners. "Do yon exyeet io be here to carry out your ideas?" "There should be no difficulty about that, as my work. I kr.ow, i<? meeting with approval, and I am willing to continue. Indeed, »T might go further and say that owing to the keen interest I have taken in the work I have initiated, it is my desire to see it brought to a successful issue." .Mr Mackenzie showed mc a very beautiful trowol that had been received from New Zealand for presentation to the King. It i s mad" of gold, has a greenstone handle, and is of excellent workmanship.