PRIME MINISTER AND THE SHEARERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 21 May 1914, Page 5

PRIME MINISTER AND THE SHEARERS

AN EXPLANATION

(Unitkd Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, May 20.

Regarding the statements made 'b|v .Mr La racy to the effect that the Prime Minister refused to receive a deputation yesterday from the Shearers' Conference, recently sitting in Wellington, the position is officially stated as follows: "On Monday afternoon- Mr. Laracy telephoned to the Prime Minister's office asking that a deputation be received. He was informed by the. private secretary that an endeavour would be made to arrange an appointment on the following day (Tuesday), or. failing that, on Wednesday. No promise was made that the deputation would be received on the following day. Owing to the number of his engagements on Tuesday, including a conference with 'his Excellency the Governor, and several' interviews with the Commissioners of Crown Lands and the engineer's of the Lands Department, who were then in Wellington, the Prime Minister was notable to receive the deputation ; butfixed 12.15 on Wednesday, which was the earliest hour available. This was communicated to Mr Laracy whereon lie intimated that the time woidd not suit. The Prime Minister is at all times pleased to meet'deputations from the'shearers or other organisations; but it is not always wonsihlo to make appointments for public deputations at a moment's notice."