THE PRIME MINISTER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 299, 29 September 1938, Page 2

THE PRIME MINISTER.

ARRIVAL AT DUNEDIN. ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION. (Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, September 28. The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) arrived at Dunedin by express this afternoon accompanied by the Minister for Mines (the Hon. P. C. Webb). At the train drew in there was a crowd of several hundreds on the station, and Mr Savage and, Mr Webb alighted from the Ministerial car to the accompaniment of loud cheers, and the strains of the “Bluebells of Scotland,” played by the Forbury School band, which in its kilted uniform gave the Ministers a characteristic welcome to the Scottish city of New Zealand. The Prime Minister and Mr Webb were welcomed by the (Deputy-Mayor (C'r. Cameron) and by members of the civic committee of the City Council, as well as local members of Parliament and local officials of the Labour movement. Cr. Cameron apologised for the unavoidable absence of the Mayor (Mr A. H. Allen), and called for three cheers for the Prime Minister and Mr Webb, which were given with enthusiasm. After a liberal round of handshakes the Ministerial cars moved off behind the band, which led the proccsssion with a vigorous rendering or the wartime song, “Keep the Home Fires Burning,” and all the way to the Grand Hotel a crowd of ardent supporters surrounded Air Savage’s car. At the Grand Hotel, another crowd gathered, and as Mr Savage and Air Webb stepped out of their car amidst cheers and cries of “Gold old Mick,” there was such a. jxress as almost to prevent them from reaching the door. “Ladies and gentlemen,” said Air Savage pausing on the steps. “1 thank you sincerely for the reception you ham; given me, and 1 want to assure you again, if assurance is necessary that you have not backed the wrong horse.” Mr Savage and Air Webb were guests of honour at a Labour Party social to-night in the Pioneer Hall, which was presided over by the chairman of the Otago Labour Representation Committee, Air P. G. Connolly. The Alinisters were given an enthusiastic reception.