A DISTINGUISHED GATHERING

Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1920, Page 5

A DISTINGUISHED GATHERING

AGENTS-GENERAL ENTERTAINED. TRIBUTES TO SIR E. BARTON. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright, Received Jan. 10, 5.5 p.m. London, Jan. 9, The Australian and New Zealand Luncheon Club entertained Sir C. G. Wade (Agent-General for New South Wales) and Sir T. B. Robinson (AgentGeneral for Queensland), in the presence of a distinguished gathering. The Right Hon. Andrew Fisher presided, and paid a warm tribute to the late Sir Edmund Barton as a man of rare genius for the post of first Prime Minister of Australia. He was a great statesman, patriot and jurist. Colonel Amery. (Under-Secretary for the Colonies) alluded to Sir E. Barton's great mental power and patriotic statesmanship. He said the loss of two leaders of men like Barton and Deakin was a heavy blow to Australia. Referring to Sir C. G. Wade and Sir. T. B. Robinson, lie said his personal experience of the records of the Colonial Office showed that both had done yeoman service for their States and for ilie Commonwealth. Sir T. B. Robinson, referring to the varied duties of Agents-General, said if they were credited with 2?> per cent on the indent work done during the year it would show a substantial balance, with immigration and advertising work thrown in gratis. Sir C. G. Wade commented on the demand for unification. The agents always endeavored to speak with one voice and act in harmony while pushing the ngh s of their own States.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.