PRESENTATION TO THE HON.J. M'KENZIE. AUCKLAND, April 16.

Otago Witness, Issue 2356, 20 April 1899, Page 19

PRESENTATION TO THE HON.J. M'KENZIE. AUCKLAND, April 16.

I A gathering of representative Scotsmen ' took place at the Metropolitan Hotel last evening in order to present an address to the Hon. J. M'Kenzie on his departure to the mother . country. The Mayor (Mr Goldie) presided, and presented the address, which was signed by Scotsmen of all shades of politics and of all parties. The maj-or 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. John M'Kenzie and Family " was proposed by Mr Thomas Peacock, ex-M.H.lt. 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 independent man, and had endeavoured to do what he believed to be his duty, and his name would be associated with land administration from his desire to see the country settled. He trusted Mr M'Kenaie 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 hi.s heath. Is was true what Mr Peacock had said, that though sitting on different sides of tin Houge, and belonging to opposing p&rties, this had never been suffered to mar their personal friendship. He thanked those Scotsmen who ha 4 prepared and signed the address to him for the kindly teims 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 going Home under medical advice, but a visit to the mother country was absolutely necessaiy. From every quarter he received tokens of kindness, and even in the press in all references there «-as 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, and 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 addre!>s he must again thank them. It would be handed down to his children when he " crossed the bur." In the interests of his family lie 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, 1 ' 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. Mi 1 John Brown proposed " The Parliament of New Zealand," the Hon. Mr Swan.son and Messrs J. J. Holland and Frank La wry, M.H.R's. , responding. Mr A. Myers proposed " The Commercial and Paste ral and Agricultural Interests," Messrs T. Findlayson (Sargood, Son, and Kwen), 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 would welcome the coming as they ha-l sped the parting guest. Other loj r al toasts were honoured. A Highland piper, formerly of the " Black Watch," was present in cositume, 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 Distiict of Auckland, desire, on ( o eve of your departure from this colony, v/ith 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 adeption. Although many of us may' not take the sume view of public matters as you have done, we are of opinion that i" your public capacity, and also as a private citizen, you have always been actuated by an 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."