HON T. MACKENZIE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10538, 13 August 1912, Page 1

HON T. MACKENZIE.

visit to his Constituents

ENTERTAINMENT AT ELTHAM. [Per Press Association.] ELTHAM, August 12. The Hon T. Mackenzie has had a busy day. lie attended the Arbor Day ceremony at the Eltham District High School, where he planted an oak. During a short speech he expressed his appreciation of tho cordiality wnich had throughout been shown towards him by the electors of Eginont. ' He urged school committees and education boards to encourage tree planting by school children. Mr Mackenzie later motored to many parts of the district. At Kapuni lie addressed the school children, and also planted an oak tree, a_ representative gathering of settlers being present. At Kanpokonui, tho largest dairy factory in the world, the directors and friends assembled at a "social," at which confidence was expressed in Mr Mackenzie's as High Commissioner. Remarks which were most complimentary were acknowledged by Mr Mackenzie. At all the places visited great enthusiasm was displayed and approval expressed of Mr Mackenzie's acceptance of his new position, although there was regret at the severance of his connection with the electorate. In the evening a "social" was held in Mr Mackenzie's honor in the Eltham Town Hall, which was largely attended. An apology was received for the absence of the Hon W. F. Massey, whose political duties called for his presence m Wellington, and others. The Mayor (Mr T. Crump), who presided, extended the good wishes of the residents of Eltham to Mr Mackenzie on his appointment as High Commissioner. He eulogised many qualities _Mr Mackenzie possessed for the position, and believed he would render valuable service for the dominion while at Home. Mr Parrott, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, said the general opinion expressed was that tho right man had been selected to represent New Zealand in the Homeland. It was to the Dominion's advantage to have a representative who .would push its trade in the markets of the Olu World. He predicted ' a prosperous career for Mackenzie. Mr Marx said that if what Mr Mackenzie had done as Minister of Agriculture was any criterion, he would do an unqualified success at Home. He referred to the splendid assistance Mr Mackenzie had givtn to the farming community in the past.- The large butter export demanded ■ the dominion should have the most capable man at Home to look to its interests. He believed that Mr Mackenzie had done the best thing in the interests of the dominion in accepting the appointment. During the course of his remarks Mr Marx mentioned that no fewer than two hundred men had been constantly employed in Eltham during the past two years in the manufacture of butter boxes, in which one and a quarter million pounds' woi of butter and cheese had been exported. The Hon. W. .C. F. Carncross, | M.L.C., referred to the progressive ideas which had character- ' ised Mr Mackenzie during his quarter of a century of parliamentary life. He had done _ t>ood work -in the House, representing no fewer than five constituencies, and he had never suffered defeat. In his representation of New ' Zealand he would keep a watchful eye on the interests of the dominion. The Hon T. Mackenzie thanked the gathering, which was most representative of tlie electors, for the reception it had given him._ He expressed appreciation of the kind reference to his appointment. He said there were large public questions in the forefront, one of which probably was Imperial representation on defence matters. If they were going to hold the Empire together the outposts must be conferred with in an endeavour to evolve some more satisfactory Imperial combination. Referring to his resignation, he said: "If it is the wish of the electors I will remain your representative until the day I sail from New Zealand. In the larger sphere of life in London I will apply the same energy that I displayed while administering the Department of Agriculture, if we are to continue to have the blessings of civilisation which we now enjoy we must make the most scientific and practical use of our soils. We must bring into use every acre of land. The demand for land should be satisfied and we must have the land populated by a vigorous race that can defend and occupy this country. Canada and Australia are displaying some concern fied and we must have the land population. If we do not people our country other nations will do so." Asiatic influence would be a deathblow to the high standard of living of European people. In conclusion, he said he would never forget the great kindness he had received at tho hands of the electors of Egmont. He had endeavoured to uphold the high traditions of parliamentary life, and it had ever been and would be his desire to give his services in the interests of the dominion.