PREMIER AND SHEARERS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 89, 21 May 1914, Page 3

PREMIER AND SHEARERS.

AND AN INTERVIEW.

Preu A.tiociatioH. , '. WELLINGTON, May 20. ."- Begarding . the statements made by MrJLaraey.to the effect that the Prime \ Minister refused to receive a deputation yelteVday from the Shearers' Conference, recently sitting in* Wellington, the position is officially stated as follows: V On/Monday afternoon Mr Laracy telephoned to the Prime Minister's office ; asking that a deputation be received. fie was informed by the private, secretary /that an endeavour would be made ['■ to arrange for an appointment oh the following day (Tuesday), or, failing that/" on Wednesday. No promise was made that the deputation would be reon the following day owing. to the number of engagements-on Tuesday, including a ,conference with his.Excels lencyßthe- Governor and several inter-' views (with rthe Commissioners 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 p.m..on Wednesday, which was the earliest hour available. This was the communication to Mr Laracy yesterdav, whereupon he announced that the time would not suit. The Prime Minister is at all times pleased to meet deputations from the shearers or other organisations, but it is not always possible to make ai>pointments for public deputations at a moment's notice." ■•'■•".-