HON R. MCKENZIE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 6996, 9 December 1909, Page 5

HON R. MCKENZIE.

ENTERTAINED BY WEST COASTERS. PRESENTED WITH ILLUMINATED ADDRESS. Tho West Coasters' Association • entertained the Hon. R. McKenzie, Minister for Minos amd Public Works, at a complimentary "social" ill the Sydney street Schoolroom last night. During the evening Mr MoKenzic was presented with an illuminated, address. . Mr E. J. Fitzgib-bon presided. Amongtft those present were the Hon. Dr Findlay, the Hon. D. Buddo, the Hon. A. R. Guinness,' Speaker of the House of Representatives, and several otit-er members of both branches of the Legislature.. The oh'airman extended a hearty welcome to the euest of the evening, and Mt J. J. McGratli followed in similar.-vein. •-■.'. <■

Mr Guinness said thiat Mr. McKenzie owed his'present'high. positio.n to his indomitable pluclc and energy. The Hon. Dr Findlay recalled the days of Ma ' boyhood ; on the Wiest Ocost-. Hiis first relationship McKenzie was when he (Mr McKenzie) was president 1 of theßoval Commission appointed to inquire into'matters connected with the Midland Railway. Behind Mr McKenzie's severity there was always something to justify his words or actions. He had sound unvarying common-sense. (Applause). Before concluding Dr Findlay paid a tribute to Mr f. Seddon; M.P. No man was more enduring in his efforts to do jiirabi.ee to his constituency. ; He was sure Mr Seddon would ho'd a noble place in the public life of New Zealand. Alter Mr Seddon had made a short speech. Mr F. McParland presented tho nddress to Mr McKenzie, and Mire RWleston handed Mrs McKenzie a gold bangle a.s a token cf esteem from the association. Tile address runs as fellows : Wellington, December Bth, 1909. To the Hon. Roderick McKenzie, M.P., 'Minister for Mines and Public Works. Wellington. The West Coasters resident in Wellington desire at this their first annual "social" and reunion since your elevation to the Ministry, on the 7th January, 1809, to congratulate you on receiving a well-merited recognition of your past services to New Zealand. Tho older generation of. us who since your arrival on tho coast in 187 G have known you as a practical miner and | contractor, and as a statesman since your entry to Parliament in 1893, feel great satisfaction in knowing that the important departments of Mines ar-d Public Works have been placed in your capable and experienced hands. Your success in life is something:to inspire the younger generation of us.

who look upon you as a brilliant example of what can be achieved by consistent hard work coupled with honourable conduct. . We ask you to accept the acompanymg memento of the occasion, and we trust that yourself and Mrs-McKenzie will long be spared to do further great things for this country, and that you will both enisi long life and'liappinesa. Signed on behalf of the West Coasters resident in AVellington. ■"., -■; IN REPLY.'."; In returning thanks' on behalf of himself and his wife, Mr McKenzie referred to the magnificent race of people .which had come,from the .West (Coast. They had made tthe most \oi New Zealand, and certainly the city of Wellington. Bo*li in las'private and political life "he had always endeavoured to do. justice ,to,every man and'injury 'to none. *'There wstti only one .side of politics on. the West Coast —the Liberal side. Tho Liberals believed in doing".the'most',good to the largest number. 'He 'could riot ramem(ber the time in the';;' bis'tory : of the Coast- when a Tory or a Conservative had been, returned to Parliament. Ho referred to the great hardships the pioneers had suffered, but he thought that those days had been an advantage rather than a disadvantage.