THE PREMIER

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 110, 19 February 1937, Page 6

THE PREMIER

TOUR OF THE SOUTH ISLAND. ARRIVAL AT LYTTELTON. HEARTY welcome accorded. (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. An enthusiastic admirer of the Prime Minister hoisted the Irish flag on the steamer express wharf at Lyttelton this morning as the Wahine was bringing Mr Savage on his first official visit to the South Island. As the steamer moved to her berth cheers were lustily given by a fairly large party on the, wharf. It was a hearty and spontaneous welcome to Mr Savage on his arrival at the gateway of the South Island.

On behalf of the citizens of Lyttelton, the Mayor (Mr F. E. Sutton) extended a hearty welcome to Mr Savage, saying that Lyttelton was pleased to have the honour of being the first to give him a welcome in the South Island.

CHRISTCHURCH ENTHUSIASM. RECORD ATTENDANCE AT RECEPTION. CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Christchurch to-day seized the opportunity to open its heart to give the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) a'welcome worthy of his office when he paid his first visit to the South Island. The cheering crowds at Lyttelton end on the Christchurch railway station were merely a preliminary to the enthusiasm which swayed 2000 people at the civic reception. Only for Royalty lias the city previously seen such a crowd attend a civic reception. It was a record, and the scene on the arrival of Mr Savage’s car in Manchester Street and later on liis entering the theatre were remarkable demonstrations for a city usually noted for its restraint. More than 500 cheering people greeted Mr Savage’s arrival in the street. In the theatre his appearance was the signal for 1500 voices to join in singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”