PREMIER’S TOUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 June 1938, Page 9

PREMIER’S TOUR

«, CORDIAL WELCOME GIVEN IN DANNEVIRKE. MANY VISITS ON JOURNEY FROM TARANAKI. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) DANNEVIRKE, June 17. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, and the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb, in continuation of the former’s goodwill tour, arrived at Dannevirke shortly before six o’clock this evening, being cheered by a number of people who had gathered. Mr Savage had a busy day. Before leaving Stratford in the morning he visited the high school and addressed the pupils. Later he visited Kaponga, Kapuni and Manaia, being accorded enthusiastic welcomes at each place. The gathering at where the members of the party were the guests of the town board, was large and the welcome of residents most enthusiastic. Mr C. A. Wilkinson, M.P., for Egmont, accompanied the party. From Manaia Mr Savage travelled to Ashhurst via Palmerston North. He later proceeded to Woodville, being accorded receptions both there and at Ashhurst.

Mr Savage, in reply to the Mayor of Woodville, said that during the tour he had been informed at some places that no Prime Minister had visited them for periods ranging from 32 to 55 years. This he thought a great mistake, because no man, whether Prime Minister or Minister of the Crown, could claim that he fully knew his job unless he saw it. The weather was perfect throughout the day, and Mr Savage . expressed pleasure at the appearance of the whole countryside and the general conditions.

So far he estimates that on his present trip he has addressed 6000 adults and several thousand children.

Mr Savage was tendered a complimentary dinner at Pahiatua by the Labour Representation Committee. Later, there was a largely-attended mayoral reception in the Town'Hall. Mr Savage crowned the winner of the queen carnival conducted in the Pahiatua electorate in aid of the Labour Party’s campaign fund. Mr G. A. Hansen, Labour candidate for Pahiatua, was present.