NOT TO BE DRAWN

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8338, 25 January 1913, Page 4

NOT TO BE DRAWN

The delegates to the Labour Conference were anxious for a heart-to-heart talk with the Fen. W. F. Massey on certain matters of mutual interest, but if w© are to judge by a telegram received from tho Prime Minister yesterday, they are doomed to disappointment. In reply to a request that he would receive a deputation, Mr Massey replied regretting that, owing to engagements already entered into, it would be impossillo for him to return to Wellington before tho end of tho month. These piessing engagements, we presume, are the banquets and other festivities that have been treacling Upon the heels of each other in hurried succession. However, the reply will probably assist to convince Labour, a .section of which ■ was so anxious to tear its own party down from power and hoist up Air Alassey and his Tory friends in their place, that it has nothing whatever in tho way of sympathy- or help to expect from self-styled Reform. It is not even conceded tho doubtful courtesy of the cold stare and the deaf ear. Whatever Labour may be impelled to say against Sir Joseph Ward, a lack of courtesy and thoughtful consideration could never be alleged against him, and it is impossible to conceive him ‘dodging’ a request from the delegates of a hundred unions for a conference by the transparent excuse that ho would not arrive in Wellington until, say, the day after tho delegates’ departure. It is a pity these delegates have been denied the privilege of meeting Mr Massey. They had a few pointed questions to ask him, and apart. from any motives of curiosity, they were anxious that he should define what he means by a “square deal.” We prophesy Air Alassey’s prompt arrival in Wellington immediately after the last of the delegates has taken his departure.