PRESENTATION TO THE HON. J. M'KENZIE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11399, 17 April 1899, Page 6

PRESENTATION TO THE HON. J. M'KENZIE.

(Pir United Puess Association.)

AUCKLAND, April 16,

A gathering of representative Scotsmen took placo at the Metropolitan Hotel lust evening in order to present an address to the Hon. J. M'Kenzie on his departure to the mother country. The Mayor (Mr Goldic) presided, and presented the address, which was signed by Scotsmen of all shades of polities and of all parties. The mayoi referred to his own pleasant relations with Mr M'Kenzie when they were both members of Parliament together. The toast of the evening " The Health of the Hon. Johu M'Kcpzie and Family " was proposed by Mr Thomas Peacock, ex-M.11.R. He alluded to the fact that though on different sides of the House it had never interfered with their private friendship Mr M'Kenzie had been a thoroughly independant man, and had endeavoured to do what he believed to bo his duty, and his name would be associated with land administration from his desire to see the country settled. He trusted Mr M'Kenzie had many years of public usefulness before him. The toast was enthusiastically drunk with musical honours and three cheers for Mr M'Kenzie and family. The Hon. J. M'Kenzie thanked those present for the hearty manner in which they had drunk.his heath. I. was true what Mr Peacock had said, that though sitting on different sides of thi House, and belonging to opposing parties, this~liad never been suffered to mar their personal friendship. He thanked those Scotsmen who had prepared". and signed the address to him for the kindly tcims in which they had been pleased to refer to him. The address would be a family heirloom, and prized by himself and family. It was not necessary to enter into detail as to why he was gopig Home under medical advice, but a visit to the mother country was absolutely necessary. From every quarter he received tokens of kindness, and even in the press in all references there was not -a discordant note. He had done nothing but his duty to.those who placed him in power. He tried to think out his plans, add then stuck to them, for the man who vacillated in politics was undone. After what he had seen in the Highlands as a boy he determined if he ever got a chance that he would do his best to prevent such a social and land system arising in New Zealand. It would be his duty when at Home to do his best for the interests of the colony, and to endeavour to worthily represent those who had given him so good a " send off." For the address he must again thank them. It would be handed down to his children when he." crossed the bar." .In the interests of liis family he. would endeavour to get renewed health and strength, but if that did not eventuate then it could not be, helped, and he must submit. —(Applause.) Major Murray proposed " The Army and Navy," and said the Auckland volunteers were as ready to go on foreign service as ever. Dr King, of the medical service, responded, anl endorsed. Major. Murray's statements. Mr John Brown proposed " The Parliament of New Zealand," the Hon. Mr Swaniion and Messrs J. J. Holland and Frank Lawry, M.H.R's. ,• responding. ,Mr A. Myers proposed " The Commercial and Pastoral and Agricultural Interests," Messrs T. Findlayson (Sargood, Son, and Ewen), J. Reid, and Grainger, responding. As Mr M'Kenzie expected to return by the 'Frisco route the toast to " Our Next Merry Meeting " was drunk, it being stated that Scotsmen woiild welcome the coming as they had sped the parting guest. Other loyal' toasts were honoured. A Highland piper, formerly of the " Black Watch," was present in costume, and during the evening played bagpipe selections, including " The Mackenzie's farewell to Ross-shire." The gathering was of a most successful character. The following is the address presented: — "We, the undersigned, representing the Scottish residents of the Provincial District of Auckland, desire, on the eve of your, departure from this colony, with the object of paying a temporary visit to your native country, to tender to you our high appreciation of your services as a colonist of 40 years' standing in this fair land of your adoption. Although many of us may not take the same view of public matters as you have done, we are of opinion that in your public capacity, • and also as a private citizen, you have always been byan honest desire to advance the best interests of this colony. We regret exceedingly you have for some time been in indifferent health, but we sincerely hope and trust your visit to your native heath will have the effect of restoring it perfectly. Wishing you, Mrs M'Kenzie, and family long life, and also all earthly 'Blessings,' and a speedy return to the land of your adoption." '