WELCOME HOME

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10749, 17 November 1920, Page 4

WELCOME HOME

SIR T. MACKENZIE EX-HIGH COMMISSIONER RETURNS. CORDIAL RECEPTION AT THE WHARF. A large crowd gathered at tht King's Wharf last evening to meet the New Zealand Shipping Company's R.M.S. Remuera, by which the oxHigh Commissioner, London (Sir Thomas Mackenzie) and Lady Mackenzie returned to New Zealand, after their seven to eight years' absence. The Remuera arrived in the stream about 4 p.m.; but, owing to the delays incidental 'to the medical inspection of the very large ship's company and the Customs examination, she did not come alongside the wharf till nearly 7 p.m., and it was not till shortly after 8 o'clock that the first passengers came down the gangway. Sir Thomas Mackenzie, .who was greeted with cheers when the crowd recognised him on deck, was again cheered on descending the gangway. "Thank you very much," he said, in brief but cordial acknowledgment) and at once went to speak to the relatives ,and friends who had come to welcome him home. Among those present on the wharf were his son, Mr Clutha Mackenzie, and his brother, Mr James Mackenzie (formerly Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland, and Chief Surveyor and Under-Secretary for Lands, Wellington), and Mrs Mackenzie, at whose home in Karori he is now staving. Interviewed by a "Times" representative, Sir Thomas Mackenzie, who seemed to be in the heist of health and spirits, said that he preferred to say nothing with regard to the present position'as to New produce at Home', as it had changed very greatly einco he left the Old Country. He had seen the latest papers on board the liemuera that afternoon, and had noticed the market reports, but was not sufficiently seized with the situation to make a properly considered;'statement on the matter. He had greatly enjoyed the trip hack to New Zealand, and had had a very busy time_ indeed during his run through the" United States and Canada". He had attended many social functions in America, and had also made inquiries as to the market possibilities, both in the States and in Canada, for New Zealand produce of every kind. He had, however, to make ari official report in regard to the results'of his investigations; and until he had handed in his report he did not wish to make any public reference to the subject. . _ '

CIVIC RECEPTION TO-DAY GENERAL PTJBLIo"rm r ITATION. . A civic reception, will bo tendered to Sir. Thomas Mackenzie at the Town Hall Concert Chamber at 11.30 a.m. to-day. The Prime Minister, Ministers of the Crown, and other representative men, have been invited to attend. The reception will be an entirely public function, and the Mayor (Mr J. P. Luke) invites everyone to attend. Speeches of welcome will bo delivered by the Mayor and by the Prime Minister. < '.