MR MacDONALD’S TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1929, Page 7

MR MacDONALD’S TOUR

AAIUSING INCIDENTS. SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 10. For all its solemnity, the welcome of Mr Ramsay -MacDonald to the United States had its amusing incidents which perhaps none enjoyed' more than • the British statesman himself. Consciously or unconsciously the New

York Police Band started far out in New York Bay, even before the Premier had left the Berengaria, by strik ing up “Rule Britannia,” the opening line* of which, of course, mentions “Britannia Rules the'-Waves!” Having come to tho United States in the interests of naval parity, the-premier''ap-preciated the incident.

While the special train bearing the statesman to Washington halted at West Philadelphia, Mr MacDonald had quite a few laughs. The first was when an irrespressible reporter running beside his private car, found him at the lunch table. Pounding his first against the window, the reporter yelled : “Hey come on out; the photographers have an - engagement with you.” Arising with a smile, the Premier obliged by walking to the rear platform. “Just a word for Phladelphin,” one writer implored, “I’m glad to be in Philadelphia again,” Mr MacDonald obliged, “Again?” inquired the writer, but the Premier lost any opportunity at art answer, as another question was shot at him: “What about the world series? The statesman looked blank “That is the baseball championship,” enlightened Secretary Stimson, “and Philadephia is in it.” “I hope you win,” Mr* MacDonald called out with a grin. As the conductor shouted “Ail aboard,” and the train started, the Secretary of State asked the Premier: “What about the Cubs?”, the other team but apparently they meant nothing to the visitor. Undoubtedly the biggest incident happened when Premier MacDonald was being presented with the freedom of New York City on his arrival there. The announcer unfurled the scroll and commenced reading it to the statesman from Britain. “This is presented to the Premier of the United States,” he said and there was an outburst of laughter. “Are you not making a mistake?” interposed Air AlacDonald. “I was just expressing a hope,” retorted the announcer. From nearby came another surprise, when a leader of the New York Socialists exclaimed: I second that.”

The Prime Alinister was considerably taken aback by the extent of his popularity which had gone so far as to invite him to become an American leader of the nation. “Is not that treason?” was the only remark he returned.

This story came over the radio across the Continent, but it was not published in the Press.

Incidentally the Premier’s message was broadcast all over the United States, and it was heard distinctly in San Francisco, 3300 miles away.