DOMINION’S FUTURE.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18168, 5 November 1930, Page 10

DOMINION’S FUTURE.

SOLID FOUNDATION. INFLUENCE IN WORLD AFFAIRS. Expressing pride at the intense loyalty and patriotism of New Zealanders, Mr W. D. Lambie, assistant to his Majesty’s Trade Commissioner, in a farewell speech to the English-speak-ing Union at Wellington, stated that he looked forward with confidence to the day when New Zealand would play an important part, not only in the affairs of the British Empire, but in those of the world generally. Mr Lambie, who has for the last six years acted as / assistant to and deputy for his Majesty’s Trade Commissioner in Wellington, received cabled instructions from London recently transferring him on promotion to Winnipeg, where he will be officer in charge.

Services, Eulogised.

Mr Harold Johnston, K.C., who presided, said that during his term in New Zealand Mr Lambie had made many friends, and had identified himself with a great number of movements. He had taken a keen interest in New Zealand and had rendered real service to the country and to the Empire. Everybody who had much to do with business must have come into contact with Mr Lambie at one time or another, and Mr Johnston ventured to say that they had all been impressed with his singularly well equipped mind. “He goes to Canada on promotion,” continued Mr Johnston. “We wish him good luck in his new duties, and express the same wish to Mrs Lambie. It would be a great mistake to let Mr Lambie leave New Zealand without letting him know that his services have been greatly, if not fully, appreciated by the people of New Zeaand. He has done really good work. There is no question whatever about that.”

“It is with very sincere regret that we are leaving New Zealand,” said Mr Lambie, speaking on behalf of himself and Mrs Lambie. “We have been here over six years now, and in the course of six years one makes a lot of friendships—friendships one is very loathe to break even although temporarily. New Zealand will always have a warm place in our affections.”

Pleasant Conditions. It was difficult, Mr Lambie said, to imagine any other country in which the surroundings for work were more pleasant than they were in New Zealand. Not only was the climate delightful, but also the whole atmosphere; at least so he had found it. He had been struck by the general similarity in character between the New Zealander and the Englishman. There was no closer similarity between the people of any two nations than there was between the folk at

Home and the folk in New Zealand. His work in New Zealand had been made even more enjoyable by the intense feeling of patriotism and loyalty toward the Empire. Everybody seemed so anxious to assist. From the point of view of British trade the last six

years had been mo3t difficult. The tide, however, seemed to have turned and Britain was increasing her trade. Rivals, But Still Friends. '

The most cordial relations existed between the Trade Commissioners. He and Mr Julian Foster (United States Commissioner) were firm friends. “We are up against the United States, not as enemies, but as trade rivals,’ he explained. “We ,are like footballers. We are playing the game for our side and they for theirs, and we mean to continue playing for our side as well as we can. Although we are healthy trade rivals, there is no enmity between the United States and ourselves.

“There is scope for co-operation between the United States and Great Britain. The two have much in common, the strongest tie of all being that of blood. We are both out to see fair play in the world. We want freedom for people, we want liberty, we want justice. Although there is no hope of unity between the two countries —and I don’t think there ever will be —there is a great deal of scope for co-operation. Together we can do much to make the world a better place than it is to-day.

“New Zealand is a wonderful little country,” added Mr Lambie. “Looking ahead, I don’t think it will ever be a populous country, although I believe it can maintain a much larger population than it has to-day. I do think that New Zealand is going to pull her weight in the affairs of the world, because she has that solid economic foundation which is going to render her a prosperous nation. I look forward to the day when she will play an important part in world affairs generally.” Mr A. L. Hunt, In extehding best wishes to Mr and Mrs Lambie, said he was confident of the day when Mr Lambie would return to the Dominion as his Majesty’s Trade Commissioner. The future, he was sure, held great things for him. Mr Lambie expects to leave New Zealand on November 18.