CANDIDATE THANKED.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 302, 21 December 1931, Page 7

CANDIDATE THANKED.

Mr F. Freeman Entertained by Supporters.

To show their appreciation of the fight put up by Mr F. W. Freeman, Coalition candidate for the Lyttelton seat at the general election, about sixty of_ his supporters tendered him a complimentary luncheon to-day. Mrs Freeman was also a guest. Mr H. G. Livingstone, chairman of the Canterbury Reform League, presided. The chairman said that on many occasions people were inclined, in New Zealand, to let public men imagine what the feelings of their supporters were. On this occasion it was very fine to see the large number of people who had attended to congratulate the candidate on his very fine effort. They had gathered to show Mr Freeman how the electors appreciated his action, to tell him that he had lost nothing by the campaign, and to tell him that they looked forward to Mr Freeman commencing his political career after the next election as the member for Lyttelton. The speaker also acknowledged the assistance given by Mrs Freeman and by the United Political organisation. “ There can be little doubt that at the next election Mr Freeman will be elected as the member for Lyttelton,” said Mr A. F. Wright, in speaking on behalf of the electors of the district. The district had been for some years scarcely represented in Parliament and he thought that by the election of Mr Freeman the district would be adequately represented. The speaker paid a tribute to the personal attributes of Mr Freeman. Very serious and very difficult problems were to be faced in the future and he was glad that they had the example of a young man who was willing to assist in solving those problems. Fie hoped that Mr Freeman’s example would be emulated by other young men.

As chairman of the United organisation, Mr J. R. Cuningham congratulated Mr Freeman on his fight and thanked Reform supporters who had assisted to secure the return of Mr R. W. Hawke for Kaiapoi. If matters went on as was probable, it would be three years before Mr Freeman got another opportunity to stand, but the speaker hoped that Mr Freeman would be elected at the next opportunity.

“Another half a week or three or four days and you would have landed me where you desired,” said Mr Freeman, in stating that the election period had been really too short. He thanked the United Party for its assistance in the campaign. The adverse conditions influenced many people to vote against those who would have to enforce the necessary economies. He felt that a goodwill had been created in the wide-flung electorate, a goodwill which would result in his return at the next election. He thanked the committees who had worked so valiantly for him.