Public Opinion

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 247, 19 October 1936, Page 6

Public Opinion

THE LATE MR. F. F. HOCKLY Sir,—l feel sure the news of Mr Hockly’s death will be received with profound regret by a large number of your readers, and especially by the farming population of Rangitikel, Manavvatu, and Wanganui. Mr Hockly entered Parliament in 1919, and was my bench for all the time we were in the House together. There are few positions in life where men get to know each other as do 'bench mates in Parliament, after 'sitting together cay after day, and I often night after night, listening to each others’ speeches, and discussing | public questions of interest to both, i for nine years, as we did. I cannot allow his death 1o pass without 4payiing my tribute to his character and lability. Frank Hockly, in my opinion, I was an ideal country representative. Hard-working; no detail too small for him to attend to if it affected the public or a constituent; always in his place in the House or in committee: and always looking out for opportunities to give service, he was an inspiration to his fellow members. Without doubt he was, while in the House, the most popular man in it, and was admired by all parties for his courtesy and kindly humour and outstanding debating ability as a speaker in Parliament and on the public platform. Mr Hockly was recognised as 1 one of the most capable of Mr Massey’s followers, and his services were often called for by his chief, to whom he was loyal to the last degree. He made warm friends in Parliament and his absence after 1928 was much felt by his old colleagues. Outside of Parliament he did much good public work and was trusted and admired I by those who came in contact with him. His services connected with the preservation of native bush throughout New Zealand, and especially as a member of the R. C. Bruce Trust, which has done so much good work in this direction, should never be forgotten, especially in this district. He was an honest, upright man. a faithful representative in Parliament, ana in his private life he won the regard of all by his kindness and friendly attitude and his constant desire to render help wherever such was required. I feel sure his passing will cause grief to many, as it does to the writer, and deep sympathy will be felt with those in his family circle who will mourn his loss.—l am. etc. EDWARD NEWMAN.