ANDREW FISHER

Hokitika Guardian, 24 October 1928, Page 6

ANDREW FISHER

EX PRIM.E MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA.

The Right Hon. Andrew Fisher. P. 0., was born near Kilmarnock, Scotland, in 1862. As a boy he worked in the coal mines of liis native district. In 1883 he went out to Queensland and was engaged in mining for some years. He entered the Queensland Parliament in 1893 as a Labour member and was Secretary for Railways and Minister of Public Works in the short-lived Dawson Government in 1899. Then in 1901 lie was returned to the first Commonwealth Parliament retaining his seat for fifteeai years. He joined Mr Watson’s Labour Cabinet in 1904 as Minister of Trade and Customs, and when in 1907 Mr Watson resigned bis leadership of the Labour Party Mr Fisher su reeded him. In 1908 he became Prime Minister, hut his term of office lasted only six months. At the general election in 1910, however, his party was returned with a big majority and lie was again Prime Minister, this time for three years, during which he dealt with the question of Imperial defence, adopted Lord Kitchener’s report of 1909, passed a Bill establishing universal military training and invited Admiral Henderson to visit Australia and report on its naval requirements. In 1913 his party was in a minority in the Lower House and Ire resigned, the Liberals taking office with Sir Joseph Cook as Prime Minister. Mr Fisher was again returned to power in August, 1,91.4, and took vigorous action for the. effective participation of Australia in the war. At the end of 1915 he resigned to become High Commissioner in London in success’on to Sir George Reid, holding office until .1921. He represented Australia at the opening of the Union Parliament of South Africa in 1910, and, at the coronation and the .Imperial Confereence in London iii 1911, when lie was made a Privy Councillor.

After his rise to power Mr Fisher remained as genial and - unaffected as when lie was earning 10s a day. He was popular wih all parties and as a statesman earned a reputation for shrewdness and determination.

KING’S Al ESS AGE

an official funeral

(United Press Association—By Electric.. Telegraph—Copyright).

(Received this day at 9.25. a.in.) ’ LONDON, Oct. 23.

Airs Fisher received the following message from the King’s Secretary:— “His Majesty is’ grieved to hear of the death of Air Fisher whose distinguished service ip the Empire in both peace and war, His Majesty will always remember with gratitude. I am commanded to jponyey J:o you and family an expression of His Majesty’s true sympathy in your great loss.”

Acknowledging the- * message Airs Fisher stated : husband’s life was always devoted to King and Country. Australia will prize the tribute paid to his memory by his King.”

Australia House has' arranged an official burial for Air Fisher at Hampstead at noon on 26th' October. Memorial services will be held at Saint Cclum/jus, Pont Street; in the afternoon. Doctor Fleming will be officiating, assisted by Rev. G’bambersLyon.