WHY MINISTER LEFT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 170, 30 April 1943, Page 2

WHY MINISTER LEFT.

MEETING WAS OUT OF CONTROL.

MR-BARCraYDEFENDS'AUTION.

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, April 29. It was stated to-day by the-Minister of Marketing and Agriculture^the Hon Barclay) tViafc liis : attention had been drawn "to a newspaper report of a meeting which he held at Gore. He .'was at a loss to understand why this incident, which .occurred some lG._days ago'ancl when the faceting was .about to terminate, was being given such wide publicity in the main daily newspapers, particularly when it had been claimed that there was barely enough space to give vital war news. As the matter had been given wide publicity the true facts should be made known to the public. . “It was necessary for me to leave the meeting,” said Mr Barclay, “because the chairman made no attempt to control the meeting and accusations made agYinst' me, while being •.Completely untrue,"were 'allowed- tb ’pass uribhebked inCspite of the jjrbof Abhat I was able to make available to the The report in the press makes no attempt to.give:any account of the explanation I made at the meeting. Tile facts are these: No feqhest had been made to ine to receive a deputation of fruit retailers in. Biv.ercafgill, ’but:'owing, to an unfortunate indisposition .1 was compelled to - remain in Invercargill for some hours longer than had originally been' glailried. A deputation did come to my hotel in .an eride'avour to have a short interview^'with riio before I left for Gore,' but .owing t<? my indisposition they were received by my private secretary. Later I arranged a personal interview with the cliairrilan of this deputation, Mr J. Matlieson, : in : order, to ensure that the representations he wished to make' could he fully considered by me, and hills interview took place before I left for Gore and; addressed the meeting to which the press reports refer. “Since, my Toturii tp Wellington, I have received,.the ..foliowirig telegram from the chairman of that deputation: “I regret to see the report of the meriting at Gore. I liad nothing to."do wfth them nor Mr Wi. Yrifes, rind did not giye the. information regarding our deputation. Your ranrirks regarding myself are'quite, true. I admire your stand and trust your health will improve,—J/MiitMeson.’ ”