THE SHEARERS' DEPUTATION

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2154, 21 May 1914, Page 5

THE SHEARERS' DEPUTATION

■ « OFFICIAL EXPLANATION. In reference to! the statements made at tho Shearers' Conference on Tuesday to tho effect that tlio Prime Minister had refused to receive a deputation from that body, the position is officially stated as follows:—"On Monday afternoon Mr. Laracy, telephoned to the Prime Minister's office asking that a deputation be received. Ho was informed by the private secretary that an endeavour would be mado to arrange for an _ appointment on , the following day Owing to tho number of engagements on Tuesday, including a conference with His Excellency the Governor, and several interviews with tho Commissioners of Crown Lands and the Engineers of the Lands Department who wero then in Wellington, tlio Primp Minister was not able to receivo the deputation, but fixed 12.15 on Wednesday, which was tho earliest hour available. This was communicated to Mr. Laracy, whereupon lie intimated that tho time would not .suit. .-.Tho Primd.'Minister < is'<at all times pleased to mcfct' doWfllatidflfe from tho shearers' or any other organisations, but it is not always nOssiblo to make appointments for'-public deputations : at"a moment's notice." '

Speaking to a Dominion reporter last evening Mr.' Massey said that people had very little idea of tho amount- of work that passed through tho Prime Minister's olfice. As a rulo arrangements had to be made days beforehand for everything.