HON. ANDREW FISHER.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 7, 9 January 1915, Page 7

HON. ANDREW FISHER.

COMMONWEALTH PREMIER’S RECEPTION. Per Press Association. Wellington, January 8. The welcome given to the Right Hon. A. Fisher, Prime Minister of Australia, on his arrival in Wellington this evening, was of a most cordial character. Mr Fisher came by train, accompanied by Mr James Boyd (one of the Federal Opposition members), Mr Veitch, M.P., Mr Hindmafsh, M.P., and Mr Rigg, the three last-mentioned gentlemen having joined the Australian visitors at Palmerston North. The party were met at the railway station by Messrs McKenzie (president.of the Trades and Labor Council), D. McLaren, and J. H. Holland, and immediately proceeded to the Town Hall, where a civic reception took place in the Council Chamber. Afterwards there was a public meeting of welcome, in the large hall. Both functions were marked by considerable enthusiasm. The visitors were received by the Mayor and Council, and the civic chamber was crowded by members of the general public. There was a large attendance at the public meeting, to which a laudatory address was presented to Mr Fisher on behalf of the combined Labor organ, isations of this city. The proceedings at both gatherings were of a most enthusiastic character, and at the public meeting he was frequently cheered dur ing a speech, in which he strongly urged that complete reciprocal relations should be established between New Zealand and Australia.

A feature of the meeting was the demonstration that was made when Sir Joseph and Lady Ward entered the body of the hall. At the conclusion of the civic reception Mr Fisher and Mr Boyd were met by Mr C. Foste" (the Chief) and other officers of the Scottish Society of Wellington, and presented with badges as honorary chieftains of the organisation.