ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION GIVEN

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 259, 29 July 1937, Page 12

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION GIVEN

Speakers Pay Tribute to Courage and Determination ■ "Our mission lias not been in vain, ’ the Prime Ministei, l\t Hon. AT. T- Savage, told an audience of about 3000 in the Wellington Town Hall last night at a civic reception accorded him on his return from the Imperial Conference and the Coronation celebrations. Mr. Savage was given a tumultuous welcome, being cheered to the echo on several occasions. lhe mayor, Mr. 1. C. A. Hislop, presided, and was supported in his remarks by the Acting-Prime Minister, Hon. P. Fraser, both speakers paving ' tributes to Mr. Savage for his personal qualities and his courage and determination. Mr. Savage was in happy mood as he described the Coronation, but struck a more serious note when referring to the Imperial Conference. He said that though there were some sharp differences of opinion and a good deal of plain speaking, the objectives of the countries had been shown to be about the same. If Britain "•ot into difficulties to-morrow he had no doubt whatever about what would happen. For his part he had tried to convince delegates that the foundation of peace was economic. lhe superstructure, in his opinion, rested on raising the standard of life of the peoples of the world. He felt his job'was in New Zealand, and he declared that the old pledge he made still stood. lhe people would never suffer at his hands. He would never let them down.

It w:rs a privilege', said Mr. Hislop, to extend a welcome to the Prime Minister on behalf of the citizens of Wellington. “We are all glad that lie succeeded in liis missions overseas, Some had a heavy responsibility. Irrespective of political opinion, thought or action, all the people of this city feel the highest personal respect and regard for your courage mid determination, sir,” said the mayor. “Your selfsacrifice and life-long principles must surely gain the highest admiration of all in the capital city.” Great as the responsibilities of the Prime Minister wore, lie still ventured to say Mr. Savage hard one great and outstanding defect. A voice: Times are better now. He can afford a wife. (Laughter.) “He still persists in remaining in what he calls single blessedness,” continued the mayor. “I don’t know of any Prime Minister who has remained a bachelor and survived a general election.” (Laughter.) During the absence of Mr. Savage in England, lie wished to say how enthusiastically the people throughout the country supported the King George Memorial Fund, which the Prime Minister inaugurated. “Wellington and suburbs contributed £17,000 to the fund,” he said, “and this put Wellington at the top of New Zealand per head of population. (Applauce.) We are glad to have had the opportunity on that occasion of proving the worth of the citizens of the capital city.” Tribute to Mr. Fraser. Also, while Mr. Savage had been away from the Dominion, much had been done to prepare for the centennial exhibition in 1940. As chairman of the exhibition committee, he said their plans- were assured of a great success. (Applause.) A number of his duties had taken him to the Acting-Prime Minister. “It lias been my privilege to meet him on many occasions, and I should like to take this opportunity of saying how much I appreciate his most helpful support and wise guidance,” he said. “He is going to do things which will be of the greatest benefit to the people of Wellington. Again, I take this opportunity of expressing my grateful and sincere thanks.” When the Prime Minister went away he took a message of loyalty and affection to the Throne from New Zealand, and he had no doubt that the King’s speech after the Coronation would hold the Throne and all it stood for deeper in the minds of all. At the Imperial Conference, too, Mr. Savage had the opportunity to exchange views and discuss common problems with famous men and to benefit by the knowledge he gained. “You return to us after your deliberations,” lie concluded, “and with these words I welcome you most gladly: ‘welcome home.’ ” (Applause.) “Not a Bit Disappointed.” 'lt is a very great privilege to participate in a meeting of this size and enthusiasm.” said the Acting-Prime Minister, Hou. P. Fraser, who was cheered as he rose, “and as for the time being I am still the Acting-Prime Minister, I feel I can speak for the people of tlie Dominion. It is evident that the people of Wellington feel he is our Prime Minister.” To the mayor lie expressed his thanks for their happy association, saying: "It was tlie spirit of co-operation between local bodies and the Government which spoke so well for the efforts already achieved and those which would be achieved, and so far as the centennial was concerned he hoped their joint endeavours would prove an outstanding success. “Tlie people of the country sent you away to represent them at the Coronation and Imperial Conference, assured you would represent them creditably,” said Mr. Fraser, addressing Mr. Savage. "We are not a bit: disappointed in any particular. It was your privilege to carry the trust and confidence of the people of New Zealand, and you have come back with all Hint trust still in you.” (Applause.) In Coronation proceedings, too, Mr. Savage had also borne himself with every credit. Mr. Fraser said the conference was the most important ever to be held in the world and of first-class importance to humanity. “We know from reports received out here that on every occasion you expressed the sentiments of true democracy. And you have also had one of Oxford’s greatest degrees bestowed upon you." Powerful and Great Work. Together with his colleagues Mr. Nash and Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Savage had given good service. As chairman of the shipping and trade committee Mr. Nash had performed powerful and great work. Mr. Armstrong represented New Zealand at the International Labour Conference at Geneva and was chairman of a labour committee in which 19 different: languages were spoken. “Apparently he

understood them all because ho succeeded in putting a motion through which meant working 40 hours a week in the textile industry. (Laughter and applause.) If ever the New Zealand people felt proud of any delegates they felt proud of those at the Imperial Conference and at Geneva absorbed in work for international right aud justice. “Now you have come back to our city at a time when the effects of your democratic policy are bearing fruit foxall and around which hope for the future is deeper than ever. “We are glad you have come back to Wellington, and we welcome you from the bottom of our hearts. We are pleased with the success of your mission. We wish you the greatest possible success in your task which lies ahead and in the days of your future,” concluded Mr. Fraser. (Applause.)