THE HON. T. MACKENZIE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 36, 27 September 1911, Page 4

THE HON. T. MACKENZIE.

lief erring to the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie, who, as announced yesterday, has consented to stand for the Egmcnt /•.sat, “ ‘Any Stottlc,” writing under “Wayside Pencillings” in the “Taicri Advocate” on September 18th, says :—- “It seems possible now that Otago may yet retain the services of the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie. Cl nth a is evidently prepared to open her doors and open them widely if he will hut come hack to his ‘first love’— a love ho has never forgotten though chcumstances have hitherto prevented him from a renewal of his early alliance. Clutlia first recognised the latest possibilities of “Clutha Tom,” and from that district he made his way to the Legislative Halls, of which he has hoen a conspicuous and brilliant member amongst many brilliant men. Tom. Mackenzie combines administrative ability with a powerful platform oratorical manner, and it is a noticeable fact that whilst he is loyal ever to his party he is one of those who never descend to the mere use of party' weapons for purely party purposes. Recognising as he does that this is a young land, with great po-

tcntialities, liis strong common sense leads him into the practical paths ol administration, where he can help forward the progress of the Doniinon and assist in developing our latent potentialities. We, of Taieri, have long since recognised his worth, and it has been universally admitted that oar mpmher stands away and beyond party; that Ids desire is to' use his energies not in more waste of words or rhetorical displays, but in keeping upward and onward every citizen of this land by opening up every avenue of development. And if we cannot—as I fear wo cannot —retain him as our member, wo can at least rejoice that moil of bis calibre are not to be driven from Otago, although the treatment lie often receives at. the hands of a section of our press might well cause him to shake Otago’s dust from Ids hods. Next to calling him ‘Our Tom’ wo hope to be able to congratulate him on once more being, known as ‘Clutha Tom.’ It may bo well, however. to remark that Otago Central’s portals are just as open to the lion, gentleman as are* those of Clutha, and Otago as a whole desires to see the Hon. ’I liomas Mackenzie retained as on > of our southern members come else what may.” Mr Mackenzie is by no means unknown to the electorate- bo lias chosen to contest, and Mr Dive will have to look to Ids laurels.