IN PALIAMENT.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 28 November 1913, Page 3

IN PALIAMENT.

Questions By Members UNQUALIFIED DENIAL. Mr itoberston to ask the Government, "Whether they will take steps to ascertain if it is a fact that a few days after the conference between the employers' representatives and the representatives of the federation of Labour, presided over by the. Prime Minister on Tuesday, the 28th October, the representatives of the shipping companies concerned were agreeable to the discussion of a settlement on the basis of a proposal previously submitted by them at the said conference—which proposal has since been oiiered and is still offered by the federation of Labour as a basis of settlement -~ and that the representatives of the Merchants' Association in Wellington intimidated the shipping companies into withdrawing this oiler by threatening to fix up freight contracts with an outside shipping company; and, if this is found to be true, will the Government take steps to see that such intimidation is put an end to, in order that the industries of the country may be no longer held up at the behest of a combine which is alleged to be operating to the detriment of commerce and, by raising the price of commodities, gaining advantages for itself by the continuance of the strike ? The Hon. Mr Massey replied, With regard to the question of the honourable member the following unsolicited communication has been received:—"Merchants' Association of New Zealand, Wellington, 20th November, 1913.— The Hon. the Prime Minister.— Dear Sir, —With reference to the question by Mr Kobertson, M.P., addressed to the Government in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, the 18th instant, reflecting on the Merchants Association, on behalf of my association I beg to inform you that the charges contained in Mr Robertson's question are without any foundation in fact, and, therefore, are given an unqualified denial.—Yours faithfully, G. Shirtcliffe, Chairman."