PREMIER GREETED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 98, 25 March 1939, Page 2

PREMIER GREETED.

ENTHUSIASM AT AUCKLAND. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, March 24. Embarrassing evidence of his popularity in the shape of an unexpected embrace and a resounding kiss from a woman who rushed out of the crowd was offered the Prime Minister (lit. Hon. M. J. Savage) in the course ol his travels in Auckland to-day. Mr Savage had just left a factory when the incident occurred, and ho was later reminded of the occurrence bv the Minister of Industries and Commerce (lion. D. G. Sullivan) in a subsequent speech. Crowds assembled rapidly each tune Mr Savage’s car was stopped outside one of tiie factories of which ho was making an inspection.- He was cheered repeatedly and must have shaken hundreds of hands in the course of the day. Erce use of his Christian names failed to disturb him and he responded gaily to repeated cries ol “G<xkl oid Mick,” and ‘‘You’re looking well, Joe.” Quito apart from the enthusiastic receptions given him by the staffs of the factories he visited, Mr Savage had the utmost difficulty in entering or leaving his car. The crowds pressed round till it was almost impossible to open the doors and all seemed anxious to attract his attention. One small hoy, quite unable to make his way through the crowd, climbed on his mother’s shoulder and called Mr Savage's name till lie was noticed. A handshake was his reward. Autograph books by the dozen made their appearance, the majority being presented by children. Mr Savage signed them all and left the last of the factories as he had the others, amid cheers and the singing for “Eor He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”