MR ROBERTSON S ABSENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1061, 8 February 1913, Page 3

MR ROBERTSON S ABSENCE.

AND EXPLANATION

Mr John Robertson, M.P., for Otaki, was not present at Thurs day’s deputation, to the Minister and at the banquet tendered to the Hon. Mr Herries by the Borough Council in the evening. A telegram was received by the Chairman of the Harbour Board from Mr Robertson as follows : “Regret not notified of visit and unable to be present. Hope it will be satis factory and that Mr Newman would attend on Minister.”

The duty of introducing the deputation to the Minister devolved upon Mr Newman M.P. for Raugitikei, who explained that owing to Mr Robertson’s indisposition, which he deeply regretted, the Chairman of the Board had asked him to introduce the deputation. He would be the last man to encroach on another member’s privileges. Prefacing his remarks at the banquet, the Hon. Mr Herries said he would like to clear himself of any implied discourtesy to Mr Robertson, whose telegram had been read at an earlier stage ol the evening. He did not wish it to go out that Mr Robertson, for whom he had the greatest respect, had not been notified of hL intended visit to Foxton. His secretary had sent two telegrams to Mr Robertson and both messages -had been returned, with the explanation that Mr Robertson had gone away and his address was not known. Although he differed in opinions from Mr Robertson he respected him and the ordinary courtesy had been extended to him. He was pleased to know that Mr Robertson was in Auckland and that he had improved in health. The Chairman of the Board said he had made enquiries some time ago as to Mr Robertson’s whereabouts, but could not obtain bis address.