“LOYAL NEW ZEALAND”

Evening Star, Issue 19272, 10 June 1926, Page 5

“LOYAL NEW ZEALAND”

DUKE OF YORK'S TRIBUTE DINNER IN LONDON FAREWELL TO SIR JAMES ALLEN. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, June 8. A New Zealand dinner in the nature of n farewell to Sir James Allen, who presided, -was held to-day. The Duke of York was the chief guest, and those present included Earl Jellicoe, Mr L. S. Araery, Viscount Allenby, tho Earl of Eanfnrly, Sir Francis- Bell, Sir James Parr, Air If. E. Bruce-Portcr, Sir Gordon Campbell, Sir Edward Chnytor, Sir Howard D’Egville, Sir William Furse, Sir Alexander Godley, Sir lan Hamilton, Sir Thomas Mackenzie, Sir William Mercer, Sir James Mills, Sir Francis Newmaip Sir Thomas Parkinson, Sir Fabian Ware, the Hon. W. Pember Beeves, and Archbishop Julius. Tho menu included toheroa soup and Now Zealand trout and passion fruit. Sir James Allen read a message from Mr Coates expressing New Zealand’s determination to foster Empire unity, after which he said he ’wished to extern! to the Duke and Duchess of York tho heartiest invitation to visit New Zealand, assuring them of tho warmest reception. If the little princess accompanied them she would bo welcomed not only by the British residents but by the Maoris, who would immediately adopt her as tlieir own princess. The Duke of York, in responding, paid a tribute to Sir James Allen’s jreat services to New Zealand, not only n London, but at the Geneva Conformce. His retirement would bo deeply tegretted by a wide circle of official and inofficial friends. New Zealand’s oyalty was unsurpassed anywhere in ibe Empire. New Zealand was British to the very core, and her people possessed the most sterling character. New Zealand was a small country, about the size of Britain; but quantity was not necessarily an index of quality. Little New Zealand deserved the title “Great” as fully as any of the sister dominions. He had been wondering whether the inventors of the New Zealand arms had not designed more wisely than they knew. “It seems to me,” he said, “ that the four stars have an inner meaning—one standing for loyalty, the second for virtue (meaning the qualities making a man), the third for the country’s entrancing beauty, and the fourth for her destiny. There cannot be any looking backward for New Zealand, but steady progress in every sphere of activity. Prosperity will be yours in the widest sense.” Tremendous applause greeted the Duke of Y r ork’s announcement: “I hope that Sir James Allen’s invitation may shortly be fulfilled.” Mr Pember Beeves, proposing the toast of “Tho Visitors,” particularly referred to Lord Jellicoe and Viscount Allenby. He said he had found throughout New Zealand the excellent effects of Lord Jellicoc’s regime. He considered that Lord Jollicoe’s great mistakes were—first, in leaving, and secondly, in taking his family with him. Lord Allenby, replying, paid a tribute to New Zealand’s unbounded hospitality during his recent visit. He emphasised the country’s natural grandeur and the inhabitants’ fine physique. He said he was sure their Highnesses would accept the invitation in the near future in order to see a dominion that was destined to become even greater than Britain. Lord Jellicoe, in response to calls for a speech, said: “I am confident that the Duke and Duchess of York will leave New Zealand with the same sorrow and regret that I did myself.” Mr Amery paid _ a tribute to Sir James Alien’s political career, stating that he had done incalculable work on behalf of the dominion during his term as High Commissioner. Mr Amery added: “ There is no foreign nation that would not gain immensely in power, influence, and dignity if it were admitted to the fellowship of the British Empire, There is no nation in the Empire that would not lose immeasurably in moral and material strength and prosperity, in status and prestige in the eves of tho world, and in the power or influencing thought throughout tho world if it evacuated its place in the front rank among the united nations of the British Crown.” Sir James Allen, in responding, said: “The Pacific Cable Board dispute has caused flutters in certain dovecotes, but patience will entirely dispel them.” He added that he was returning sorrowfully but was confident that there was work awaiting him in New Zealand. Ho hoped that the courtesy extended 'to him would be extended to his successor. Tho day would coma when tho High Commissionership would be regarded in the dominion as being even more important than it was to-day.—A. and N.Z. Cable.