MR. SAVAGE'S TOUR

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 46, 24 February 1937, Page 13

MR. SAVAGE'S TOUR

VISIT TO SOUTHLAND

INVERCARGILL'S WELCOME

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

INVERCARGILL, February 23.

Despite light but steady rain, Invercargill citizens turned out in force tonight to welcome the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) on his first official visit to Southland. Mr. Savage was accompanied by the Minister of Labour (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong) .

The Ministers were welcomed by the member for Invercargill, Mr, W. M. C. Denham, and the Leader of the Opposition (the Hon. Adam Hamilton) against a background of cheering and music by the Caledonian Pipe Band, the Civic Band, and the Battalion Band.

, Mr. Savage said he particularly appreciated such a welcome on an unpleasant night. "One of the outstanding features of this rather hurried trip has been the enthusiasm of the people everywhere," he said. "Our receptions undoubtedly indicate that« the Government is travelling in the right direction. Our job is not done yet, but we are going to, do it, and you are all playing your part by giving these assurances of the country's approval." He and Mr. Armstrong were facing a trip abroad, and New Zealand could rely on its voice being heard in the councils of the nations, he said. "We stand by our. policy," he said, "and we believe that little New Zealand can repeat what it has done before—give a lead in humanitarian legislation. If we fail it will not be through any lack of honest endeavour." Mr. Armstrong also spoke. The Ministers have a full programme tomorrow and return north on Thursday morning.