GREAT TOUR ENDS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21753, 30 June 1945, Page 5

GREAT TOUR ENDS

CHURCHILL'S FEAT 1000 MILES COVERED TRIBUTES~BY PRESS (10 a.m.) LONDON, June 29. The Prime Minister, Mr. Churchill, has arrived back in London after having covered 1000 miles' in Britain and Scotland in four days in which he made 30 speeches. The news-, papers describe the tour as one of the outstanding achievements of his remarkable career. The Daily Telegraph commented that his feat surpassed even Gladstone's famous Midlothian campaign in 1880. The exhausting task at the age of 70 would have appalled a much younger man. It was for him only another example of grit and determination that has characterised his long and colourful life. When the special train arrived in London, Mrs. Churchill left by car immediately. Mr. Churchill stayed on the train for over an hour. When he left he looked tired. “The memory of it will last as long as I live,’’ said Mr. Churchill when, with tears in his eyes, he thanked a crowd ol 20,000 in Edinburgh, including New Zealand, Australian, American and Polish servicemen, for the cordial demonstration of friendship. Mr. Churchill, who looked tired, urged his hearers to quit talking about isms and ideologies until the more urgent tasks were accomplished. Glasgow’s Welcome

Glasgow gave Mr. Churchill the most tumultuous welcome of ins election tour.

More than 10,000 people after his speech at Blytnswooa bquare in whien ne praised the Scots’ courage anu quality, stampeded wildly to get near nim as he left. Tne police were overrun and only a prompt getaway by the Premier’s chalfeur prevented almost certain casualties.

“Scotland has played an enormous part in the war," said Mr. Churcmii m his speech. “The Scots’ bravery and discipline had been admired by officers and generals in all armies alongside whom they served. The ■scots’ deeds will re-echo through the ages.”

The Prime Minister told the Scots that whichever side won his supporters would support the Government m the prosecution of the war againsi j apan in the interest of Britain s national safety and honour. “But you cannot expect me to stanu aside this election,” he said. “I have oeen both a Liberal and Conservative and there is little difference to-day between them, but 1 have never agreeu with the Socialist policy which, i oelieve, would strike at self-reliance which is the hallmark of our nation, especially the northern part. I remember Earl Lloyd George saying that the Scots had got only one bau fault—there were too few of them.

The Premier’s reference to his visit to the famous 51st Highland Division at the front evoked tremendous cheering. Mr. Churchill’s emphasised Britain’s determination to stand by America. “Our two countries art ever united by the blessed bond oi ninship and fellowship,” he added.