MEETING WITH P.M.

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30364, 13 February 1964, Page 14

MEETING WITH P.M.

Newspaper Take-over (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Feb. 12. Mr K. R. Murdoch, Chairman of directors of an Adelaide group of newspapers, this evening had a 25minute interview with the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake).

Later, Mr Murdoch said: “We discussed the position of the “Dominion” newspaper. I have no further comment to make.”

Mr Murdoch had no comment to make on whether his organisation might be interested to a minority, rather than a majority shareholding ■in the Wellington Publishing Company, publishers of the “Dominion.” Mr Hoiyoake said Mr Murdoch had discussed “the position they now find themselves to ip respect of the offers made for : the ‘Dominion’. and the rumours of other offers.” It is the second call that Mr Murdoch has made on the Prime Minister in the last two weeks. Mr Murdoch said he might be able to give more information' at a later date. The takeover moves for the “Dominion” were among the early items on the agenda for the Government’s two-day caucus, Mr Holybake said today before going into the' opening session. Mr H. Begg, chief executive of overseas operations for the Thomson organisation, is expected back in Wellington on Friday. Since the Thomson offer was officially. sent to shareholders of the ■ Wellington Publishing' Company, Mr Begg has been in .-Australia, visiting both Sydney and Melbourne.