PRIME MINISTER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24775, 27 November 1941, Page 6

PRIME MINISTER

CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL WONDERFULLY CONCEIVED VISIT TO SUMMER SHOW High praise for the Dunedin Centennial memorial was given by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, when accompanied by the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, he visited Signal Hill yesterday morning on the first of a round of official engagements which lasted until late in the evening. “The architectural design and conception of the memorial are wonderful,” Mr Fraser said, “ and from the point of view of its situation, I believe it is one of the finest memorials in the world. It was a splendid idea to mark the Centennial by building such a monument, and Dunedin should be justifiably proud of it. What impresses me particularly is the wording on the plaque. It is dignified, beautiful and simple, and should be an inspiration to all who read the message. Brilliant Sunshine The visit to the memorial was paid in brilliant sunshine, and gave the visitors a superb view of Dunedin and the surrounding country. The official party also included Mrs Fraser, the Mayor (Mr A. H. Allen) and Mrs Allen, the city engineer (Mr S. G. Scoular) and the architect of the memorial (Mr H. McDowell Although the monument is not yet completed, Mr Fraser was shown the work that had yet to be carried out, and he spent some time strolling round the grounds of the memorial. On the way back to town, the Prime Minister visited the Art Gallery before going on to a Rotary Club luncheon. where, as guest of honour, he made a short but stirring speech. Visit to Show Accompanied by Mrs Fraser, Mr Jones and the Mayor and Mayoress, the Prime Minister, in the afternoon, attended the summer show of the Otago A. and P. Society at Tahuna Park. From his seat in the grand stand Mr Fraser watched the physical culture display by 1200 school children, and stayed to see the grand parade of stock, before being entertained at afternoon tea by the president of the society, Mr William Lee. “We were very much impressed by the children’s display of marching and modern'physical exercises.” Mr Fraser said afterwards. “ I would also like to congratulate those concerned with the show. The stock, both horses and cattle, was of excellent quality, and the animals were fine samples of their breeds. The whole show was most creditable, and it was pleasing to see such a laree attendance.” Later. Mr and Mrs Fraser visited the basement of th° Town Hall, where memberq of the Mayoress’s Patriotic Committee end the New Zealand Ladv Galwav Guild wene carrving out thejr natriotic work. Both the Prime Minium- and Fraser showed a keen interest in *h° fine work being done on behalf of the soldiers. Patriotic Work Praised

Mr and Mrs Fraser were introduced to the workers, and later Mrs Fraser said she had been deeply impressed with what she had seen. As a member of the National Patriotic Council and a foundation member of the National Executive of the Lady Galway Guild, she was naturally in a position to make comment, and her statement that the organisation was excellent was authoritative. She considered that the garments being made by workers of the Lady Galway Guild were outstanding and would be of great help to the sufferers in Great Britain who had been bombed out Tif their homes.

Mr Fraser added that, the work being done was an outstanding example of efficient and willing service in the common cause.

Last night Mr and Mrs Fraser and the Minister of Defence were guests at an informal evening in the Tudor Lounge, piven by the Labour movement in Dunedin. To-day’s Arrangements

This morning the Prime Minister, after paying a visit to the -Forbury School, will inspect the new shipbuilding yards at Port Chalmers, in company with the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones. Following a luncheon given by the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, Mr Fraser and Mr Jones will visit the defence area at the Otago Heads,, and on the way back will stop at Otakou to meet the Maoris of the settlement and inspect the new church. In the evening Mr Fraser will visit the premises of Messrs Cadbury Fry Hudson, and later will inspect the Navy League Sea Cadets. Mr Jones will accompany the Prime Minister on the visit of inspection. Before he leaves for the north tomorrow, Mr Fraser will inspect the Macandrew Intermediate School.