MR. WITHEFORD'S VISIT TO ENGLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12955, 26 August 1905, Page 5

MR. WITHEFORD'S VISIT TO ENGLAND.

STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER, [BY TELEGRAPH.-- correspondent.] Wellington, Friday. The question of the present whereabouts and future intentions of Mr. Witheford, was the subject of some remarks in the House of Representatives this afternoon. Mr. Kidd moved, " That a further month's leave of absence be granted to Mr. Witheford oil account of urgent private business." Mr. Masscy said lie would like to know whether Mr. Kidd had received any communication from Mr. Witheford. It was not usual to refuse leave of absence to any member, and he did not wish to oppose the motion, but he might say that an impression waa prevalent that Mr. Witheford was Hot coming back to the colony. If that wa>s so, the House ought to know. The Premier said that Mr. Kidd had not received any communication from Mr. . Witheford, but he (Mr. Seddon) had. Mr. Witheford had not yet left London. The mission upon which he was engaged, viz., an endeavour to secure the establishment of the iron and steel industry in the colony, was a very important ore, and he (Mr. Seddon) took it that Mr. Witheford was finding that the prospects were encouraging, and that this was causing his delay in leaving. ''But," added, the Premier, "he is leaving, and he is coming back to the colony." ______