The Beatles photographed at a press reception, hosted by the Rt. Hon. Sir Eric Harrison, Australian High Commissioner, at Australia House, London, ahead of their tour of Australia. The boys are inside a private office containing a map of Australia made entirely of apples.
Ringo grabbed one and ate it, telling the Ambassador, "It's bonza, mate!"
Each member of the group was presented with a hamper of two magnums of Australian champagne, and tins of fruit. John asked, "Where's the Aussie beer we've heard so much about then?"
Sir Eric grew more and more irritated at the proceedings and told reporters, "There has never been a reception quite like this in Australia House and I hope there will never be another one! I guess I am what you would call a square but those photographers were just too much. They climbed all over the chairs and then when we went inside a closed office they were thrusting their cameras through the windows and rapping on the glass.”
[The Beatles: A Diary, Barry Miles]
