PREMIER’S TOUR.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 193, 17 July 1941, Page 8

PREMIER’S TOUR.

AT LYDNEY PARK. VISIT TO SWANSEA. (Ilec. 11.45 a.m.) SWANSEA, July IG. | Air Fraser told the conference of the National Union of Railwayman that I Australians and New Zealanders (fought in Greece and Crete to retain | the structure of Social Democracy. No Government of any country bad achieved more in the same time for social security and the benefit of the mass of the people than the first New Zealand Labour Government since it had been formed. En route to Swansea Air Fraser called on Lord Bledisloe at Lydnev Park, where he saw in the Lydney Church a stained glass window depicting the Franz Josef Glacier. He sampled Lord Biedisloe’s cheese and inspected his New Zealand “museum” containing many of the presentations mado during Lord Bleclisloe’s term as Governor-General. He saw Lady Biedisloe’s magnificent collection of New Zealand shells. Air Fraser arrived at Swansea, at midnight, four hours’ late, but Air Grenfell (Alinister of Alines) and the Lord AJayor were waiting for him. During an early morning supper Air Fraser heard the air raid siren and remarked : “I am glad to be here to share the people’s experiences.” Rut there was no gunfire and no bombs were dropped. Air F ■aser received the freedom ot Swansea to-night. The ceremony was held in the Guildhall, the Lord Mayor moving a resolution that the irecdombo offered “in recognition of Air Fraser’s distinguished services to the Empire.” Ho added that tho freedom was the greatest honour tho city could bestow on the worthiest men and women. Air Fraser was a worthy son of New Zealand and a great statesman. Wales and New Zealand had often met on the Rugbv field, but to-day they were in tho same team fighting against a stern and ruthless foe. He asked Air Fraser to convey to New Zealand Swansea’s admiration for her devotion to the present cause, which was a great inspiration Air Fraser said that never before had the people of the British Commonwealth been more closely bound together than now. He paid a tribute to Swansea’s contribution to tho welfare of the Mother Country and also expressed his admiration for the way in which the people had stood up to tho raiding. The people of Swansea were lighting New Zealand’s battle as much as their own.

Mr Fraser, accompanied by Mr Grenfell, visited Swansea Hospital and saw the wards which are ready day and night to receive air raid victims. He was told hot water bottles are heated immediately the sirens sound. At the Guildhall 1000 school children, waving Union Jacks and the New Zealand flag, cheered Mr Fraser, who later inspected 400 men and women of the Civil Defence Services. He met Captain H. L. Morgan, D. 5.0., who was the commander of ILM.S. Veronica during the Napier earthquake. j The Mayor of Swansea, at the Guild- j hall luncheon, said: “Swansea has received hard knocks and severe wounds. Britain lias been greatly helped by the Dominions’ contributions of men. material a.nd food. We are proud of our Dominions.”

Mr Fraser said : “I am proud to be able to see the people of Swansea at their best. Hitler is able to destroy houses, cities,- streets, and the bodies of people, but he cannot destroy their souls. Proof is provided by what I have seen of Swansea. The scones will never bo erased from my memory.”

Mr Fraser visited an arms factory and watched youths and girls carrying out the whole process of shellcasc making.