THE MEMBER FOR CLUTHA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10621, 13 October 1896, Page 2

THE MEMBER FOR CLUTHA.

(FIIOM Oil,'! OWM Con-BSPONDKNT.) Wkllisgtos, October 12. Mr Thomas Mackenzie teft for the south by the Te Anau this afternoon. Before leaving Parliament his brother members took the opportunity of presenting him with au illuminated address, and ther_ wa. _, good attendance from both sides of the House in Bellamy's on Saturday evening waen tho presentation was mads. Mr Laruscci was in the chair, and Mr La'wry occupied tbe vice-cba;r. The presentation was made by fc-ir Maurice O'Rorke in.a very happy speech. Ha referred to the in^ny good qualities p.ssu-sed by the member foi Clutha, and he said lin wa. glad that they would shortly have io London, in addition to the Agent-general, a roan like Mr Mackenzie, who was conversant with all the walks of life in the colony. Ha referred to ths importance of Mr Mackenzie's mission to the old country, and dilated ill eloquent terms on the importance of encouraging the federation of the colonies. Ho assured Mr Mackenzie, who bad been bis friend for 10 years in the Parliament of New Zealand, than he bore with him '

from both sides of the Houae—from Ministers and er-Ministers, members ready for re-election or ready for retirement—(ladghter)— the very best wishes. He hoped Mr Mackenzie and his family would have a pluasant voyage Home, a pleasant sojourn in England, and that they would return to their colonial home at no distant date. Sir Maurice, on resuming his seat, was greeted with, loud applause. Mi Mackenzie's health was drunk in bumpers ot champagne, _nd on rising to respond he was greet— with cheers. He thanked them very heartily for tbe great honour they had done him—an honour which he believed was, almost unique in the history of that Parliament. He particularly thanked Mr Lawry and the Hon. Mr Carroll, who were mainly instrumental in getting up the testimonial. It wsb pleasing to know that there were so many men in that Parliament who could rise above party.' -It had been his good fortune to represent an excellent constituency, that bad been peopled in the early days by some of the best colonists who came to New Zealand. It had been a great pleasure and privilege for him to be in Parliament. He had fought in many a battle. Had given many a heavy blow, and had received many a " stunner," but it had been all above the belt—(hear, hear), —and he could say of those with whom he had fought, aud of these who had fought against him, that outside of the House their battles ceased. — (Applause.) Referring to Sir Maurice O'Rorke, he said be hoped to sea him re-elected. A statement that was received with cheers. As for himself, he would undoubtedly return to New Zealand, and if he could again be honoured with the confidence of his old constituency he would esteem it an honour to represent: it in Parliament. The testimonial which they had presented,to him, he would band down as an heirloom in his family ss long as there was a Mackenzie connected with him who would respect anything,—• (Cheers.) Several other toasts were proposed, and altogether a very pleasant evening was spent.