MR. STEAD'S METHODS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1191, 28 July 1911, Page 5

MR. STEAD'S METHODS.

THE FISHER INTERVIEW. SOME LIGHT ON THE MATTER. By TeletriDh—Pros; A&aocißtion-Ccßirlehl (Ree. July 27, 11.5 p.m.) London, July 27. . An Australian in London states that he was a member of a party breakfasting when Mr. W. T. Stead, editor of t.he "Review of Reviews," called on Mr. Fisher. Mr. Fisher did not leave to be interviewed, and had 110 idea that Mr. Stead was upon (hat errand, but supposed him merely desirous to make tho acquaintance of a well-known Englishman. When Mr. Fisher returned (o th.e table he was certainly unaware that he had been interviewed. The Australian states that he recognises in several phrases in the interview fragments of remarks made to the members of the party during Mr. Stead's presence, including the remark that if a Dominion did not want to be involved in a British war it could declare its independence. Hut tho meaning given to this statement in tho interview was inconsistent with all Mr. Fisher's authentic public aind private utterances, and it would lie fair to follow Mr. Deakiu's admirablo example, and suspend judgment until Mr. Fisher can'speak for himself. COMMERCIAL MEN'S DEMONSTRATION. (Ree. July 27, 8.15 p.m.) Sydney, July 27. At the annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce tho chairman, Mr. Paxton, in referring to the Fisher interview, said the Labour party had contented themselves with the self-comforling statement that Mr. Fisher had been mis-reported. Thee was no sign of anyone in he party pronouncedly declaring that they had no sympathy with such sentiments. At the suggestion of the chairman, the meeting rise, and cheered "tho British Empire undivided." CAUTION ADVISED. London, July 26. Mr. Murray, Premier of Victoria, responding to the toast of his health at tho Australian banquet, said it was un-Eng-lish to condimn Mr. Fisher unheard. Journalists frequently unintentionally misrepresented a man's expressions. Mr. W. L. Baiilien, Victorian "uinistcr of Works, declined to believe in the interview until he hoard Mr. Fisher's explanation. DID MR. STEAD DREAM IT? Sydney, July 27. Condemnatioas of Mr. Fisher's alleged interview.with Mr. Stead, as published in tho "Revitir of Reviews," continue to pour in, although tho majority of public men reiterate that a mistuko has occurred. Mr. King O'Malley's reference to "spooks" . lias caught on among the Labour supporters. Many ectriously allege that Mr. Stead dreamt the interview.