CHEERING CROWDS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 25, 29 July 1937, Page 10

CHEERING CROWDS

SCENE AT WHARF

TRIUMPHANT LANDING

Shortly. before 4 p.m., the Government steamer Janie Seddon, with the official party of welcome aboard, left the wharf to meet the Rangitata as she entered the stream. The party included the Acting Prime Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser), the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, the Hon. F. Jones, the Hon. W. E. Parry, the Hon. F. Langstonc, the Hon. W. L. Martin, the Hon. P. C. Webb, Mr. J. A. Lee, and Mr. J. Roberts, president of the Labour Party. Major Purvis represented his Excellency the- GovernorGeneral (Viscount Galway).

It was some little time before the nose of the Rangitata appeared round Point Halswell, and in the meantime the Janie Seddon lolled round in a choppy sea. As the liner approached, the figure of the Prime Minister, standing bareheaded and fluttering a white handkerchief, was noticed on the upper deck, and there was an exchange of silent greetings. between the Prime Minister's little party and the Ministerial party in the Janie Seddon. Mr. Savage, who looked extremely well, greeted his colleagues on the upper deck as they boarded. W.th him were Mr. C. A. Berendsen, Permanent Head of the Prime Minister's' Department, and Mrs. Berendsen, Mr. C. A. JefTery, Chief Private Secretary, and Mrs. JefXery, and Mr. A. L. Lewis, chief messenger.

During the slow approach to the Pipitea Wharf, Mr. Savage, after having replied to a broadcast welcome, occupied the time in chatting with his Ministers, but as the ship neared the wharf's side he moved towards the rail. Inside the loading doors could be seen the packed ranks of those who had assembled to welcome him, among them many Parliamentarians and their wives, and there was a concerted waving of handkerchiefs and arms and hats as the crowd picked him out. He still clutched his white handkerchief, and waved his return greeting.

CHEERS, WHISTLES—AND A KISS

The cheering of the people grew as the' ship came alongside, 'and there came the strains of the band. Suddenly there broke above the other noises the sustained shrieks of a multitude of railway and other \vhistles, which, with their disordered symphony, struck a distinctly novel note of welcome.

As Mr. Savage landed, the band struck up a lively tune, and those assembled _in the shed sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and cheered him lustily.

One woman admirer caused amusement by soundly kissing the Prime Minister.

At the conclusion of the Harbour Board's welcome, three more cheers were given, and prior to departing in his car, shortly before 6 p.m., Mr. Savage stopped briefly to shake the hands of those who pressed round him.