MR FISHER'S INTERVIEW

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 31, 31 July 1911, Page 5

MR FISHER'S INTERVIEW

COMPLETE REPUDIATION. A "GROTESQUE MISREPRESENTATION." By Cable.—-Press Association.—o#pyright Received 30, 5.5 p.m. Colombo, July 29. Mr. Fisher, Commonwealth Prime Minister, arrived this morning, and was considerably agitated on learning the sensation that had been caused by the interview published by Mr. W, T. Stead, which he described as a "grotesque misrepresentation." He at once cabled that the Stead report was grossly misleading. What he stated to Mr. Stead in a brief and hurried interview was what he had stated hundreds of times in public speeches, namely, that the true objective of peace among nations could only be reached by effective defence. His aim was unity among the British nations. "This can best be obtained," he said, "and maintained by trusting His Majesty's Governments in the United Kingdom and the Dominions as the responsible Ministers of a family of nations." Referring to the expression "Haul down the flag," "this has never entered my mind," he said. "Keep it flying, is my ambition, with all its best traditions; nor have I harbored any idea that Australia wishes to break away from Un Empire. Nor do I wish to escape the! duty of defending its honor. Such an expression would not be disloyalty, but insanity! It would be brutal and monstrous!"