SIR JAMES ALIEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 10 June 1926, Page 5

SIR JAMES ALIEN

A FAREWELL GATHERING DUKE OF YORK INVITED TO NEW ZEALAND ACCEPTANCE INDICATED (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, June 8. The New Zealand dinner was in the nature of a farewell to Sir James Vilen, who presided. The Duke of Aork was the chief guest. The menu included toheroa soup and New Zealand trout and passion fruit. Sir James Allen read Mr Coates’s message expressing New Zealand’s determination to foster Empire unity, after which lie said lie wished to extend to the Duke utgl Duchess of York the heartiest invitation to visit New Zealand, assuring them the warmest reception. H the little princess accompanied them she would be welconied, not only by the British but by the Maoris, who would immediately adopt her as their own princess. The Duke of York, responding, paid a tribute to Sir James Allen’s great services to New Zealand, not only in London, but at the Geneva conference. His retirement- would be deeply regretted in a very wide circle of official and unofficial friends. New Zealand's loyalty was unsurpassed anywhere in tlie Empire. New Zealand was Britisn to the very core, her people possessing 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 of “great” as fully as any of the sister dominions. He had been wondering whethei the inventors of the New Zealand arms Had not designed more wisely than they knew. “It seems to me the four stars thereon have an inner meaning, one standing for loyalty; the second for virtue, meaning the qualities making man; the third for the country’s entrancing beauty; and the fourth lor destiny. There cannot he any looking backward for New Zealand, but steady progress in every sphere of activity, and prosperity will be yours in the‘widest sense.”

Tremendous applause greeted the Duke of Y'qrk’s announcement: —“I hope Sir James Allen’s invitation may shortly be fulfilled.” Horn W, Pember Reeves, proposing the toast of the visitors, particularly referred to Lord Jellicoe and Lord Allenby. He found throughout New Zealand the excellent effects of Lord Jellicoe’s regime. He considered Lord Jellicoe’s mistakes were firstly, leaving, and secondly taking his family with him.

Lord Allenby, replying, paid a tribute lo New Zealand’s unbounded hospitality during his recent visit. He emphasised the country’s natural grandeur and the inhabitants’ natural physique. He was sure Their Highnesses would accept the invitation in the near future in order to see a dominion destined to become even greater than Britain. Lord Jellicoe, in response to calls for a speech, said: “I am confident the Duke and Duchess of York will leave New Zealand with the same sorrow and regret as myself.” ' Mr Amerv paid a tribute to Sir James Allen’s political career. He Had done incalculable work on behalf of the Dominion during his High Commissionership. He added: “There is no foreign nation that would not gain immensely in power, influence and dignity if admitted to the fellowship of ilie British Empire. There is no nation in the Empire that would not lose immeasurably in moral, and material strength. prosperity in status and prestige in the eyes of the world, in the power of influencing thought throughout the world, if it evacuated its place in the front rank among nations held by the united peoples of the* British Crown.”

Sir James Allen, responding, said: “The Pacific Cable Board dispute has caused flutters in certain dovecotes, but patience will entirely dispel them.” He added that lie was returning sorrowfully, but lie was confident there was work awaiting him in New Zealand, He hoped the courtesy extended to him would be extended to his successor. The day would come when the High Commissionersliij) would be regarded in our own Dominion as of even more importance than it was to-day.