MR. SAVAGE’S S.I. TOUR

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 February 1937, Page 7

MR. SAVAGE’S S.I. TOUR

DEMONSTRATIVE SCENES CH.CH. CIVIC WELCOME [FEB PRESS ASSOCIATION,] CHRISTCHURCH, February 19. An enthusiastic admirer of the Prime Minister (Mr. Savage) hoisted the Irish flag on the steamer-express wharf at Lyttelton, this morning, as the Wahine, bringing Mr. Savage on his first official visit to. the South Island, moved to her berth. Cheers were lustily given by a fairly large party on the wharf. It was a hearty and spontaneous welcome to Mr. Savage on his arrival at the gateway of the South Island. On behalf of the citizens of Lyttelton, the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Sutton) extended a heartv welcome to Mr. Savage, saying that Lyttelton was pleased to have the honour of being the first to give him a welcome in the South Island. LATER.

Christchurch seized the opportunity to-day to open its heart to give the Prime Minister a welcome worthy of his office. The cheering crowds at Lyttelton and on the Christchurch Railway Station were merely a preliminary to the enthusiasm which swayed the crowd of two thousand people at the civic reception. Only for Royalty has the city previously seen such a crowd attend a civic reception. It was a record, and the scene on arrival of Mr Savage’s car in Manchester Street, and later on his.entering the theatre, were remarkable demonstrations for a city usually noted for its restraint. More than five hundred cheering people greeted Mr Savage’s arrival in the street. In the theatre his appearance was the signal for fifteen hundred voices to join in singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”

SUPERANNUATION AND HEALTH. CHRISTCHURCH, February 19. The biggest task which Parliament will be called upon to face when the next session opens in August, will be the inauguration of the national superannuation and national health schemes of the Government. This was made clear, this morning by Mr. SavIn an interview, the Prime Minister said that national superannuation would be a scheme that would he reflected in every home in the country, and Parliament must pass the Bill, even if the House had to sit aftei the New Year. In addition to the national superannuation scheme, the Government was concentrating on a national health scheme, which must also be passed next session. “It is my opinion that we won’t be able to finish by Christmas, and that we will have to come back again in the New Year,” said Mr. Savage. The Prime Minister said that the taxation system was at present beingreviewed by a committee of departmental officers, and one or two Cabinet Ministers. They would provide a report, on which action would be taken, and whatever legislation was necessary would’ be passed next session. Regarding the question of making Government houses available for persons with incomes of more than £6 per week, ho said that while nothirfg had yet been decided upon, he felt that the restriction should bo lifted.