A MIXED RECEPTION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19986, 28 June 1920, Page 8

A MIXED RECEPTION.

MR HUGHES IN SYDNEY PROCESSION. Is the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, Air Hughes, losing his grip on popularity? During the Royal progress in Sydney ho met- with a mixed reception. lucre were occasional ••iieerr, but for the most pun during iht; two miles progress, through the city he was hooted. Jt may be due io his infirmity, but it was noticeable that right along the route Air Hughes acknowledged both cheers and execration by raising his Jmi in a dignified ■ nay. He was not moved by one nor peturbed by the other (says the Sydney "Sun”). Alindst from the moment that Mr Hughes dolled his soft felt and put on a top-hat, ah line landing-place, he was a target for the crowd. Here’s Billy!” shouted someone at ti c outfcl. *’ Give him a cheer.” The ehoers were given, and the PrimeMinG'»- r,r looked pleased and waved his hand. Bin. Hunting into Macquarie Street He reception was not so cordial. There ■were hoots and cat-calls, and voices shouting, ” Who deserted Sydney?” But Air Hughes had friends who put up counter cheers, A light horseman wheeled out of the line, ambled down io the Prime (Minister’s carriage, and shook him by the hand. ‘‘Hurrah!” shouted one section. “800-boo!” chained another. Mr Hughes just acknowledged the plaudits with a dry smile. At the Hay market a crowd waited the cominw of the procession. “’Lo. Bill.” said one. “ Patronising Royalty?” ‘•’Not much,” said Bill. “ I’m here for Hughes!” But ho booted when Mr Hughes’s carriage wheeled into line. So the game of popularity and execration was played right to the end of the procession.