FIGHT TO CLEAR NAME

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 449, 3 June 1937, Page 5

FIGHT TO CLEAR NAME

BAN LIFTED MRS FREER TO ENTER AUSTRALIA Cabinet Reviews Case Press Association —Copyright. Wellington, June'3. Official advice was received yesterday by her solicitor, Mr M. O. Bennett, that the Commonwealth Government had decided to lift the ban of entry of Mrs JM. M. Freer into Australia. The acting-Prime Minister, Dr Earle Page, announced to-day that having regard to all circumstances, including the fact that Mrs Freer has been, a resident in New Zealand for over six months, the Federal Cabinet had informed Mr Bennett that no steps would be taken to prevent her landing in Australia. On arriving at Australia from India last November, Mrs Freer was refused admittance, the reason being that she failed to pass a dictation test. She landed at Auckland soon afterwards and after a short stay left Wellington for Sydney early in December in an endeavour to enter th<} Commonwealth again. She was turned

back a second time and has remained at Wellington except for a short ex-

prence as an assistant in a Wanganui shop.

Mr Barnett tool?? up her case with the Australian Government in March. Mrs Freer, who has lately been employed with the stenographers in Mr Barnett’s office, was present when advice was received this afternoon. “T am so thrilled I can’t believe it’s true,” said Mrs Freer. “I want Mr Barnett to have the full credit for this triumph. He was so persistent. He believed in the justice of my case and it is marvellous what he has done.” Asked what she intended to do in the immediate future, Mrs Freer replied. “I have no plans at all. I am too excited to think. Of course I am going to Australia. I intend to live with my aunt in Sydney for a while. After that I don’t know what I’ll do. 'ln any event I won’t leave for Australia for two or three weeks.” Mrs Freer said her attitude toward Lieut. Dewar was just the same. She added that she bore no malice against Mr T. Paterson, Minister of the Interior. She wanted now to forgive and forget. It was a great relief and a weight off her mind that the implications against her character were disproved by the decision of the Commonwealth Cabinet. Since her arrival in New Zealand, Mrs Freer continued, she had been received with warm hospitality by many people. If it had not been for the kindness of friends who had shown sympathy toward her she would not have been able to keep on with her fight to clear her name. Mr Barnett said that on taking up Mrs Freer’s case his investigations led him to the conclusion that there was no justification for the ban, either constitutionally or through allegations concerning her character. His first appeal was made early in March. It was turned down by the Federal Cabinet which advised, after two months’ deliberations, that it was not prepared to review its decision further. He decided to make an appeal to Mr Paterson who replied that the question of removal of the ban would receive further consideration. Subsequently he cabled the Minister and received confidential advice which led him to believe that there was still hope for a favourable decision. During the six months in which he had b'een handling the case he found Mrs Freer patient and courageous. He had seen nothing which would justify her being prohibited in any British country. He added that Mrs Freer was married at 19 in India and was the mother of children. Her husband left her in 1921 and she returned to England with her children, living there with her husband’s people until she returned to India to obtain a divorce in 1936. While awaiting the divorce she met Lieut. Dewar who was a passenger in the same ves--sel to Australia in October. A Sydney message states that the Sydney Sun this evening publishes a radio conversation with Mrs Freer who is reported to have said, when asked whether she would return to Australia, Rather. I shall come almost immediately after my affairs here are settled.” The Sun also publishes a report

from Melbourne that , Lieut. Dewar has received notice of transference to Western Australia. He will leave on Sunday. He is reported to have said, “1 am naturally pleased that Mrs Freer is allowed to enter Australia, but I have no I shall see her./