Mr Freer To Make Statement In House

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28927, 22 June 1959, Page 10

Mr Freer To Make Statement In House

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 21. Mr W. W. Freer, Labour M.P, for Mt. Albert, * intends making a full statement to Parliament on his overseas trip at the first opportunity. He said this when he arrived in Auckland tonight with Mrs Freer by a Tasman Empire Airways plane from Sydney. They were met by their two sons and a large number of relatives and friends.

Mr Freer was asked whether he wanted to say anything about comment made in New Zealand over his affairs during his absence.

“I’ve got no comment at all at this time,” he said. “I propose, at the first opportunity in Parliament, to make a statement—to clarify the position and to clear up what appears to be a 'lot of unfortunate misunderstanding.”

When Mr and Mrs Freer left Auckland by sea on December 14 they said they would be away for six months.

“Our trip was largely to obtain further information in countries that we know little about, China in particular,” he said. “I saw something of it during my last visit, and wanted to see more of it.” Mr Freer said he had seen little until the past few days of comments made about him in New Zealand. He did not want to make any

further comment urrtil he had found out more about it.

What kept you in Hong Kong’ he was asked. “I had work to do in Hong Kong and it took me a bit longer than I thought,” he said. “I was completing a series of articles for an English publication—l’d rather not say which one at present." Mr Freer said he was not aware there was a Labour Party caucus meeting in Wellington this week. “If that’s ahe case, I’ll be attending,” he said. What do you intend doing now? he was asked. Mr Freer looking a bit surprised “Why, carry on about my normal business,” he said.

“Give a big happy smile,” said a photographer. “I find it very hard,” said Mr Freer.