PRIME MINISTER CRITICISED

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28421, 30 October 1957, Page 14

PRIME MINISTER CRITICISED

Refusal To Meet Deputation

(New Zealand Press Association) GREYMOUTH. October 29. Strong criticism of the refusal of the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) to receive a deputation from the Westland District Progress League for discussions on the Franz Josef Hotel replacement was expressed at tonight’s annual meeting of the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce. The meeting decided to telegraph Mr Holyoake pointing out that it had read of his attitude towards the deputation with regret, and asking him to reconsider his decision. It will be suggested that even if he is unable to receive a deputation at Wellington, he should be able to receive it in some other part of the country—possibly Christchurch—during his election tour.

Mr J. M. McNulty maintained that the chamber’s resolution should be worded more strongly Mr R. J. Truman, who suggested the telegram, said: “It seems to me we are going to wait until after the election. If he (Mr Holyoake) couldn’t receive a deputation at Wellington, he could, at least, have given a little more helpful consideration.” Mr F. L. Turley said: “I think the action of the Prime Minister is just about the limit I’ve anZw»r See t n a more unfavourable answer to such an imnortant Uol ° n ° n the eve of an elec“It looks as though the present

Government thinks it’ll go back in, and after that, it’ll be to hell with Westland,” he added.