STATESMAN PASSES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 251, 23 October 1928, Page 7

STATESMAN PASSES.

Andrew Fisher Succumbs To

Attack Of Influenza.

PEACEFUL END.

(Australian and N.Z. Press Association.)* (Received 9.30 a.m.)

LONDON, October 22,

Mr.t Andrew Fisher, formerly Prime Minister of Australia, died last niglit, aged 66.

Mr. Fislier, who for some months had been failing steadily," developed a severe attack of influenza last week and heart weakness- manifested itself. On Satuiv day bis doctor held out no hope of recovery and Mr. Fisher died peacefully at nina in the morning.

The flag was flown at half mast at Australia House. An official inquiry lias been cabled to Mr. Bruce, Federal Prime Minister, Whether he desires to accord the late Mr. Fisher a State funeral.

BRUCE PAYS TRIBUTE.

POPULAR LABOUR PREMIER.

(Received 12 noon.)

SYDNEY, this day.

The Prime Minister, Mr. S. M. Bruce, who is in Adelaide, expressed deep regret at the death, of Mr- Andrew Fisher. He- saifl that he had rendered a conspicuous service to the Commonwealth and. was probably the most popular Labour Prime Minister since the advent of the Commonwealth.

Mr. Andrew Fisher, at the age of 23, went to Australia from Scotland to try his fortune there. He settled in Queensland, and after nine years he entered politics as,'a Labour supporter. After sitting in the State Parliament, he won a seat in the Federal Parliament, and represented Wide Bay for 15 years. He was Prime Minister of Australia 1908-09, 1910-13, and 1914-15. Sir.' Fisher made his duty his idol, and never strayed after strange gods. He was the peacemaker in the party, and was ignorant of the art of intriguing. His task was not always easy, but during his leadership of the Opposition in 1909-10, he showed that he was a capable fighter. He was a good speaker, but during his term as Leader of the Opposition he. did not believe in clothing his speech in fine terms. When he became Prime Minister, however, his manner of speaking changed, and he felt it his duty to be more ornamental in his speeches. Mr. Fisher took up residence in London-some years ago, and ~ as High Commissioner for Australia.