THE FISHER INCIDENT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 143, 9 August 1911, Page 5

THE FISHER INCIDENT.

Fremantle, August 8. Mr. Fisher arrived by the Osterlcy. One of his staff stated that Mr. Fisher got tho shock of his life at Colombo on reading Mr. Stead’s alleged interview. Ho never saw a man so thunderstruck. Mr. Fisher, questioned regarding tho matter, said he had nothing more to say. Ho thought what ho said at Colombo covered the ground. “I might add that it would have been stupid of me to say we will haul down tho Union Jack and hoist our own flag and start on our own. Wo could not hoist our own Hag, because it is always flying here. Under the new naval agreement tho Australian ships fly at tho stern the white ensign as a symbol of the authority of the Crown, and at the jackstaff the Commonwealth flag.” Ho expressed satisfaction at tho work of tho Imperial Conference. (Received 9, 9.10 a.m.) Fremantle, August 9. Mr Fisher, referring to tho Conference, declared that a distinct step in advance had been made. Ho added: “I place no limit to its growth and usefulness. A marked feature was the action of tho Imperial Government in taking the representatives of tho Dominions into its inner family circle. This will go far to prevent difficulties arising, besides helping to settle them when they do arise. Regarding the naval agreement, i am glad to say that in future the dominions will bo consulted wherever possible. Tho growu. of the Labour movement in England is assured. Nothing can stop its progress.