PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS 15 SEPTEMBER 1978
Several months ago I was asked by one of the earlier
trustees to have lunch before the Rugby League Grand Final
and watch the game. I accepted that invitation.
It now appears that that has involved Mrs Hills, wife
of the Chairman of the Trustees, foregoing her seat at
the lunch.
As a result, I have sent the following telegram to Mr Hills
because I would not dream of displacing Mrs Hills or anyone
else at the lunch:
" I understand from press reports that your kind invitation
for me to have lunch with you before the Grand Final
tomorrow involves your wife giving up her seat.
" I would like to thank you very much for your courtesy
but I would not dream for one moment of displacing
Mrs Hills, or anyone else, on what must be Sydney's
most exciting day of Rugby.
" Therefore, I must decline your invitation, but I would hope
to have the privilege of lunching with the Trust on
some future occasion before a League game."
However, since I understand my Parliamentary Gold Pass entitles
me to attend the Match and since I had arranged to be in Sydney
specifically for the Match, I am intending to go with one of
my colleagues, and I look forward to seeing the game.