“GROTESQUE."

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7868, 2 August 1911, Page 7

“GROTESQUE."

THE FAMOUS INTERVIEW MR FISHER’S EXPLANATION TO MR HUGHES. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. MELBOURNE, August 1. Mr YV, M. Hughes, Acting-Federal Premier,, has received tho following cablegram from Mr Andrew Fisher in regard to the reported interview published in the “Review of Reviews”: “ Mr Stead’s report of his interview with myself, as cabled by you, is grotesque. I saw him for a few minutes hurriedly, and said what I have stated hundreds of times in public speeches in Australia and tlio United Kingdom—that our objective was the world’s peace, our policy effective defence, our aim unity of the Empire. All these would bo best attained by trusting his Majesty’s Governments in the./ United Kingdom and the Dominions to give tho host advice as responsible Ministers of the family of nations.”

Mr Hughes, commenting on this message, said: “When Mr Fisher calls Mr Stead’s reported interview grotesque he cramps into one word every epithet of ridicule, denunciation, and contempt that every fair-minded man must feel towards ono who vilified him. The attack hut served to heighten Mr Fisher’s reputation, and amply warranted our expressed belief in the absurdity of attributing such statements to him.”

LONDON NEWSPAPER'S OPINION,

LIKE THE INTERVIEW WITH GLADSTONE’S GHOST.

(Received August 1, 9.20 p.m.) LONDON, August 1

Tbo' “ Globe ” states that it will be interesting to hear Mr Stead’s defence, if he has any. Possibly his interview with Gladstone’s ghost furnished a parallel case, which was no more like Gladstone than Hr Fisher’s interview was like Mr Fisher’s public deola,rations.