DR C. J. REAKES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20323, 3 February 1928, Page 10

DR C. J. REAKES.

GUEST AT KENT BANQUET

(From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, December 24.

Dr C. J. Reakes was one of the chief guests at the annual banquet of the Association of Men of Kent and Kentish Men held at the Holborn Retaurant. Lord Sackville presided. On his right was the Right Hon. Lord Northbound. on his left Dr Reakes. In proposing the toast of the guests, Lord Sackville said they were very glad to see Dr Reakes, for his presence brought home to them many close connections they had with the dominions. They hoped the conference woud bear fruit, to the mutual benefit of England and the dominions, and that Dr Reakes would return to New Zealand, not only perhaps richer in mind as regards his work, but also with a good opinion of the association and of the Mother Country.—(Applause.) . Dr Reakes said he deeply appreciated the honour of being asked to share in the response to the toast of the guests, but, apart from that, it was a great pleasure to him to be there at that meeting amongst his own county folk. Over jn New Zealand they had lately formed a branch of the association, and, although it was in its infancy—there had only been two meetings so far—he felt sure it was going to make its way quickly. There was quite a number of Kentish people in New Zealand, and he had personally been brought into touch with a great number of people from the county. The New Zealand branch had a great advantage in having in their chairman Sir W. Hall Jones, well known in London through having served as High Commissioner for several years. He (Dr Reakes) had been asked by his chairman and by his fellowmembers to convey to all the associated members their hearty greetings from New Zealand. TIES WITH KENT. In New Zealand they felt they were cut off, to some extent, from direct personal contact with other part® of the Empire, except, of course, Australia, which they lookd upon as a big brother. They, therefore, had to depend upon themselves largely, and, for that reason, it was a great advantage to be able to come to England, to meet there other research workers, to learn from them and to return to New Zealand equipped with information which would he of invaluable use. New Zealand had one very strong tie with the County of Kent. In New Zealand they produced a great deal of lamb, mutton, and wool, and a great proportion of that came from the Romney breed of sheep, a purely Kentish breed, one that had made its name in New Zealand and brought sheep breeding there to the high pitch it occupied. In conclusion, he spoke of the ties which bound the dominions to England. When a New Zealander was about to visit England he either said he was going to the “ Old Country ” or he said he was going “ Home.” The prosperity of New Zealand was bound up with the prosnerity of the Old Country, and they, in !?ew Zealand, would always remember that. He would tell the members of his branch when he returned of the wonderful hospitality which had been accorded him by the people of Kent, in England.