PRIME MINISTER’S PART

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21157, 5 July 1940, Page 2

PRIME MINISTER’S PART

EXPENSES OF DELEGATION MR WEBB RENEWS APPEAL (By Tolpsrrapli.—special to Times) WELLINGTON, Thursday “I was amazed at the statement of Mr English, the president of the union, that I had broken a gentlemen’s agreement, in that he alleged I had rushed to the press with a statement before the dispute was settled,” said the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb. “The dispute was already settled and the decision given before I made a statement. I wholeheartedly concurred with the decision because it was in keeping with all the evidence I had read. “The State miners decided to go on strike and to turn down the earnest appeal of the Prime Minister to resume work pending a further investigation, which the Prime Minister promised would be made in his own office. Mr Fraser also undertook to pay the expenses of a delegation to Wellington to place the matter before him, provided that the miners resumed work. “When this’ appeal was turned down I had no alternative to stating the facts as supplied to me. I said then, and I repeat it now, that I am confident that the State miners as a body cannot concur with the tactics now being adopted,” added Mr Webb. “I earnestly appeal to the officers and men to realise the seriousness of the position which the Government is now facing and to respond to the Government’s appeal to resume work.” No negotiations have taken place between the miners and the Government since Tuesday afternoon.