MR BARCLAY AT GORE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25213, 30 April 1943, Page 2

MR BARCLAY AT GORE

REASONS FOR LEAVING MEETING (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Apl. 29. It was stated to-day by the Minister of Marketing and Agriculture, Mr J. G. Barclay, that his attention had been drawn to newspaper reports of a meeting which he had held at Gore. He was at a loss to understand why this incident, which occurred some 10 days ago and when the meeting 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. Now, however, that the matter had been given wide publicity the facts should be made known to the public. “It was necessary for me finally to leave the meeting,” Mr Barclay said, “ because the chairman made no attempt to control the meeting and because accusations made against we, whilst being completely untrue, were allowed to pass unchecked. In spite of the proof that I was able to make available to the meeting, the report in the press makes no attempt to give any account of the explanation I made at the meeting. “ The facts are,” Mr Barclay said, “that no request was made to me to receive a deputation of fruit retailers in Invercargill, but, owing to an unfortunate indisposition, I was compelled to remain in Invercargill for some hours longer than had originally been planned. A deputation did come to my hotel in an endeavour to have a short interview with me before I left for Gore, but, owing to my indisposition, it was received by my private secretary. Later, I arranged a personal interview with the chairman of this deputation, Mr Matheson, in order to ensure that the representations he wished to make could be fully considered by me, and this interview took place before I left for Gore and addressed the meeting to which the press reports refer. "Since my return to Wellington,” the Minister added, “I have received the following telegram from the chairman of that deputation:—‘ Regret to see report of meeting at Gore. ■ I had nothing to do with them nor with Mr Yates, and did not give information regarding our deputation. Your remarks regarding myself are quite true. I admire your stand and trust your health will improve.—J. Matheson.’ ”