SHEARERS AND PREMIER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 2, 21 May 1914, Page 5

SHEARERS AND PREMIER.

MR. MASSBY EXPLAINS. By Te'egraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Regarding the statements made by Mr Laraey to the effect thai the Prime Minister refuged to receive a deputation yesterday from the Shearers' Conference, recently sitting in Wellington, the position is officially stated as follows: — "On Monday afternoon Mr. Laraey telephoned to tlhe Prime Minister's office, asking that a deputation be received. He was informed by the private secretary that an endeavor would be made to arrange for an appointment on the following day (Tuesday), or, failing that, on Wednesday. No promise was madie that the deputation would be received on the following day. Owing to a number of engagements on Tuesday, including a conference with liia Excellency the Gfoivernor and several interviews with tihe Commissioner of Crown Lands and the engineers of the Lands Department, who were then in Wellington, the Prime Minister was not able to receive the deputation, but fixed 12.15 on Wednesday, which was the earliest hour available. This was communicated to Mr. Laraey yesterday, whereon he intimated that <tho time would not suit. The Premier says he is at all times pleased to meet deputations from the shearers' or other organisations, but it is not always possible to make appointments for public deputations ftt a moment's notice.