MR KISHI IN MELBOURNE

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28448, 30 November 1957, Page 15

MR KISHI IN MELBOURNE

MELBOURNE. November 29. The Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Nobusuke Kishi, today lunched at Melbourne's State Parliament Building as guest of the Premier of Victoria, Mr Henry Bolte. Then he drove to the Town Hall for an official reception to the city by the Lord Mayor, Cr. F. W Thomas. Included in the Prime Minister’s programme for the afternoon was a visit to the zoo to see kangaroos and koala bears. Mr Kishi had also expressed a wish to see the Olympic arena and the Olympic swimming pool. Mr Kishi was to have a restful evening at Government House, in preparation for his flight to Sydney tomorrow, followed by a brief visit to New Zealand.

The controversy over the Prime Minister's visit appeared to have died down. His arrival appeared almost unnoticed by Melbourne dtizens. Most criticism has, however, teen directed by former servicemen to the proposed laying of a wreath by Mr Kishi at the Australian War Memorial at Canterra next week.

2 Vas *s° indicat >on at prep?H h r long he wou,d sta y at Gettysburg, although it was assumed he would remain there at least over the week-end. He has convalesced thete before notabiy after his 1955 heart a “ ack - and secret telephone lines lime the farm with executive offices in the capital. Mr James Hagerty, his press secretary, said yesterday that Mr Eisenhower would conduct Government business as necessary from the farm. • , h ! te House correspondents, including television, radio, and newsreel men, were preparing to move to Gettysburg for as long as the President is there. Frequent Reports Mr Hagerty will be on hand to report frequently on Mr Eisenhower’s recovery and activities. Cabinet members can fly by helicopter or light aircraft to Gettysburg for consultations as required. If the President decides to stay for any considerable time, presumably the postmaster’s room in the Gettysburg town post office building could be converted for use as his office, as it has been before. But the answer to the main immediate question—of whether the President will go to Paris—remained a mystery today. Unofficial speculation was hardening that he would after all be able to go. This view gained strength with the signs of the President's recovery: the medical bulletins, his surprise visit to church yesterday, and the fact that the doctors have given him at least tentative permission to drive to Gettysburg today. Church Visit

The National Presbyterian Church, where the President and Mrs Eisenhower attended the Thanksgiving Day service, is the President’s normal place of worship.

The pastor there, the Rev. Dr. Edward Elson, yesterday suggested that the nation join in thanksgiving prayers for the President’s speedy recovery. The President and Mrs Eisenhowever took their seats inside the church in a front row pew near Mr John Foster Dulles, the Secretary of State. The assistant minister, the Rev. J. V. E. Edwards, offered a prayer which included a petition for the President’s recovery.