“Nation of High Commissioners” New Zealanders in London

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6850, 4 March 1929, Page 4

“Nation of High Commissioners” New Zealanders in London

aIR JAMES and Lady Parr entertained a number of New Zealand authors, journalists and artists, who are settled in London, at a dinner at the May Fair Hotel recently, at which the guest of honour was Mr. David Low, the famous New Zealand cartoonist. Proposing the health of Mr. Low, Sir James said that the life of a High Commissioner was a hard one. He had been conducting a campaign in favour of New Zealand produce in different parts of the country, feeling that he was doing far better work in this way than by remaining in London. “Then,” Sir James added, “the thought struck me—can’t I relax a while, and gather round me those choice spirits who delight in the arts? (Applause.) I must thank the newspaper people for the kindness, and courtesy they have shown me during my term of office.”

Sir James referred to the journalists present individually, says the “New Zealand News.” published In London. Dealing with authors, he paid a glowing tribute to “The Long White Cloud,” by Mr. Pember Reeves, into which the author had put all his heart. He referred also to Mr. Reeves’s service to the cause of compulsory arbitration. Sir James dealt with Dr. Harrop’s biography of Edward Gibbon Wakefield, outlining the salient points in the life of the founder of New Zealand and South Australia. After referring to the work of Miss Rosemary Rees and Captain Frank Hudson, Sir James alluded to the fact. that the distinguished novelist, Hugh Walpole, hatl, been born in New Zealand. Turning to the stage, Sir James congratulated Miss Marie Ney, Miss Isobel Wilford, and the other New Zealand actresses on their great success. “Mr. David Low,” Sir James went on, “is the most eminent political caricaturist of the day, and it is a great thing to us that he was born and spent his early days in New Zealand. His talent was recognised in New Zealand for he was employed as a cartoonist at the age of 11, but unfortunately New Zealand does not pay Its talented sons as much as it ought to.”

Mr. Pember Reeves said: “I have endeavoured in my time to make pen pictures and to convey ideas and impressions to an audience, but I have always envied the political cartoonist. People must 'look at his work, they laugh, and without their knowing it he makes them think.” Mr. Reeves referred to the definite effects of cer-

tain famous cartoons, to illustrate the power of the cartoonist. He congratulated New Zealanders present on their courage and pluck in facing the struggle of life in London and emerging victorious. Mr. Low, who was received with applause, said: “It is a long time since I was in so thoroughly New Zealand an atmosphere. New Zealand undoubtedly possesses a high average of mentality. That perhaps accounts for the faint disappointment with which New Zealanders survey the inhabitants of other countries. (Laughter.) The growth of mentality is on all fours with the growth of a sense of proportion, and it involves travel, association with other people and contact with the wisdom of old times. Why are we here in London? Because of enlightened self-interest, which has a paradoxical by-product—an unselfish and unconscious self-interest which makes the very best of missionaries. We are a nation of High Commissioners. Even I, when at the end of the day I meditate and think of its errors and omissions, often find that I have done something to help New Zealand. As when, on one occasion, I was able to inform an illustrator of a book by Miss Rosemary Rees that red shirts and leggings were not worn at Mayoral functions in New Zealand. And again, when a news editor said to me: 'Low, you’re a New Zealander, aren’t you? Tell me, are these Ma-or-ies dangerous?’ I was able to reply, ‘Yes, when they are on motorcycles.’ ” “It is nearly 20 years since I left New Zealand. When I was there it was my function to cherish the Government of Sir Joseph Ward. I always regarded it as a remarkable coincidence that the Ward Government collapsed three weeks after I left. (Laughter.) When I read of the present electoral complications the whole business makes me feel very homesick. My reply to the toast was intended to be clear and concise —not flowery, not sentimental —just ‘Thank you.’ ” (Applause.) Proposing the toast of the High Commissioner, Mr. F. W. Doidge referred to the great work Sir James Parr was doing. He announced that another of the books of Miss Rosemary Rees was to be published in the “Evening Standard.” He expressed the view that Miss Marie Ney was one of the greatest actresses of the day and would go very far. The gathering was acclaimed as a great success by all those present, and Sir James and Lady Parr were heartily thanked for their kindness. The arrangements were perfect.