THE MAGISTRACY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16267, 18 July 1918, Page 6

THE MAGISTRACY.

MR S. L. P. FREE APPOINTED TO THE BENCH. (press association telegram.) WELLINGTON, July 17. Tho Minister of Justice announces tho appointment to the Magistrat .• s Bench of Mr J. S. Barton, of Wellington, and Mr S. L. P. Ifrcc, <1 Christchurch. Mr S. L. P. Free is a well-known fio-uro in both legal and sporting circles in the South Island. He was born at Loburu, North Canterbury, and was educated in Christchurch, subsequently entering the legal office of :>lr Stringer, later known as . that ->t Stringer and Cresswell. Having passed his examinations, Mr Free went to Grevmouth, entering tho employment ot Messrs Guiness nnd Kitchingham. Some years later ho started on his own account in Reef ton, and his firm, which subsequently developed into that ot Free, Cottcrill, and Lawry, extended its operations to Westport. W hilo on the Coast, Mr Free acted for various English and other companies in mining matters. About seven years ago lio returned to Christchurch, and after living for some time in virtual retirement he took a trip to the Old Country, and was in England when tho war broke out. Returning to Christchurcii ho o'fered his services to the military authorities, and had been acting on ono of the Otago Military Service Boauis since the incoption of thoso Boards. Mr Free is at present in Christchurch in connexion with matters relating to tho West Coast firm. Ho has two sons at tho front. One, Captain Cuthbert Free, left with the Main Body, and after seeing service in various places, is at present in India._ A young?r soiij Sergeant-Major Wilfred Free, is now in France. Sir Free has for many years been an active and valued member of the local Polo Club and tho Canterbury Hunt Club. MR F. K. HUNT ENTERTAINED. Mr F. K. Hunt, the well-known local solicitor, who has been elevated to Magisterial rank, left last evening lor Auckland, where he will take up his new duties on Monday. Mr Hunt was entertained bv the Council of the Law Society at Broadway's yesterday afternoon, the president, Mr S. G. Raymond, K.C., entertaining the whole party present. Bv mutual consent there was no set speech, but Mr Hunt was tho recipient of numerous wishes for his future welfare from his old colleagues.