SIR T. MACKENZIE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18434, 14 June 1920, Page 7

SIR T. MACKENZIE.

FAREWELL IN LONDON.

TRIBUTE TO HIS SERVICES.

By Telegraph—Pres* Association—Copyright, Australian end N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, Juno 10.

Throe hundred guests, representative of political, financial and commercial interests, attended the farewell banquet to Sir Thomas Mackenzie at the Mansion House, including the Lord Mayor, Lord Reading (Chief Justice), Lord Sydenham, Lord Emmett, Lord Islington. Lord Blyth, Admiral Lord Jellicoe, Lord Wlutburgh, Sir lan Hamilton, tho High CbmmiKßJnners and Agents-General of other dominions, Hon W. A. Watt. Hon E. G. Theodore, Sir James Mills, Mr W. Pember Reeves and Sir Westby Perceval. Lord Milner, in proposing the toast of Sir Thomas Mackenzie's health, said he was a man so various that ho seemed to be all mankind's epitome. With the exception of a character in one of Gilbert and Sullivan's plnys, no man seemed to equal Sir Thomas Mackenzie's activities. "There are few of us iu this country," he said, " who trembled when we knew Sir Thomas Mackenzie was coming to complain about the treatment of New Zealand industries, but> however vigorous in his assaults on us in New Zealand's interests, there was never any soreneHS in controversy." He was that best kind of diplomatist who wa-s always welcome. Lord Milner specially enilogised Sir Thomas Mackenzie's war services. They could never forget the Dominion's response to the Mother Country. He quoted General Godley, who in expressing regret at his absence through illness, said: "Wo could always rely oil Sir Thomas Mackenzie for every assistance to our soldiers. In him all felt that they had a good f"amiLord Milner concluded by saying that Sir Thomas Mackenzio had been a worthy representative of his Dominion. He believed we had not seen the end of his publio activities, and ho hoped he would exorcise them in England. Sir George Parley (High Commissioner for Canada), Mr Andrew Fisher (High Commissioner for Australia) and Sir James Mills supporteu tho toast. . . Sir Thomas Mackenzie, in replying, said the war had disclosed the Empire's soul, and showed its allies and enemies that it was impossible to touch on© without incurring the resistance of the whole. With the coming or peace tho Umpire never had a better opportunity if wo get the people to settle down to work. He thought that much unrest was caused by profiteering from which even the Government had' hot been free. The greatest conBidoration of the moment was: What is this country's policy to bo towards overseas Dominions r Are we to con. tinuo to open our doors to our «memiesr Shall those of us who stood shoulder to shoulder receive no greater assistance than tho enemies who would have reduced us to slavery if they had wonr We must not debate free trade or protection, but consider the interests_ or the countries constituting the Empire, and frame laws to give advantages to our own people. Ho had great hopes from tho Department of Overseas trade if it was etEcientlv officered. Unfortunately in a department controllea by the 'Government, the advisers often were inexperienced. He advocated a system of advisory councils, with committees acquainted with overseas requirements and conditions, and familiar with trade in Britain. He congratulated the Dominion on Lord Jellicoe s appointment. His advice would be invaluable on defence. At all costs we should /maintain ,a navy and army I equal to Imperial responsibilities. Lmii gratioH must also be viewed from the Empire standpoint. It must not be a matter of conflict between the Motherland and the dominions. _ Lord Milner presented an lnfluentially signed and illuminated address to Sir Thomas Mackenzie, testifying to his valuable services to New Zealand and the Empire throughout the wa». He also alluded to tho manner in which Sir Thomas Mackenzie and Lady Mackenzie assisted tho New Zealand wounded, which created an enduring memorial in their hearts. He paid a tribute to his marked ability on the Dardanelles Commission, giving to its deliberations praotical and effective results. ,