THE NEW YEAR HONOURS.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1933, Page 6

THE NEW YEAR HONOURS.

The New Year honours list is commendably brief, and the distinctions conferred are likely to meet with general approval. The knighthood conferred upon Sir Alexander Gray, K.C., may be interpreted as a tribute to personal ability, integrity and reputation which has been well earned. The distinction no doubt reflects also a desire to honour the high profession, of which Sir Alexander Gray has been a leader for many years. The Dominion has had full reason to be proud of its legal profession, and practitioners will doubtless be glad to see in the title conferred upon one of their members a recognition that leadership in so important a profession is not lightly gained and is deserving of honour. The onlir other knighthood conferred, that upon Sir William Perry, while also a tribute to zeal in public affairs, is a recognition of the importance of the pastoral industry to the Dominion. Nearly all Sir William’s public efforts have been connected with rural industries, administration and problems. Such efforts do not often appear in the limelight, and it will please a larger circle than that of Sir William Perry’s friends and acquaintances that public recognition has been afforded of the value of work on behalf of rural interests. Of the minor Orders granted the C.M.G. conferred upon Mr. R. S. Forsyth will be thoroughly approved by all who know the excellent work he has performed as London representative of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board, and as New Zealand representative on the Empire Marketing Board. Mr. Forsyth has succeeded in upholding the policy of the New Zealand meat industry by co-operation with the merchants and distributors in Great Britain, and it was an undertaking which palled for much skill, tact and patience. The excellent relationship which obtains to-day between Smithfield and the New Zealand meat exporters is largely due to Mr. Forsyth’s tact, ability and discretion. He has well earned the tribute to his efforts which the honour conferred upon him represents. The same may be said of Mr. James Marchbanks, who also becomes a C.M.G. As a railway and harbour engineer and administrator Mr. Marchbanks has done good work for the community, and the engineering profession will appreciate the honour accorded one of its members. Mr. C. P. Newton, who is made a C.8.E., has been a civil servant for nearly 40 years. He rose from the ranks, and retired as permanent head of one of the more important Departments of State. The honour he has received will be appreciated not only as a recognition of individual zeal and hard work, but as a tribute to the high standard of the Dominion’s civil service.