FREEDOM OF LONDON

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 457, 15 June 1937, Page 5

FREEDOM OF LONDON

MR SAVAGE AND MR LYONS LUNCHEON AT MANSION HOUSE Dominion’s Humane Legislation Press Association —Copyright. (Received 12.30 p.m.) London, June 14. In the presence of Mr Malcolm MacDonald, Secretary for the Dominions, Mr Ramsay MacDonald, Miss Isabel MacDonald,, Hon. Ma-ckettizie King, Hon. S. M. Bruce, and' Mr W. J. Jordan, the freedom of .the City of London was conferred upon Hon. M. J. Savage and J-lon. J. A. Lyons.' at the Guildhall.

There was a strange mistake at the ouset when /the principal Clerk, Sir Adrian Pollock, City Chamberlain and Treasurer, described Mr Savage as Prime. Minister of Canada. Botn Prime Ministers received a dainty gold casket .containing the document of freedom.

Mr Savage alluded to the Coronation as a manifestation of the people’s love Of their Majesties, as well as an endorsement of a democratic form of government. He hoped the Empire’s commercial ties would be strengthened in 'the fixture. London’s greatness', he added, made him prouder to be its Freeman. New Zealand hadi intro*duced more humane legislation than any country in /the world. It would be even more progressive in the future.

Guests at the Guildhall also included Hon. and Mrs Walter Nash, Sir Jamec Parr and Miss Parr.

Luncheon in the Egyptian room at the Mansion House was followed by Khe Lord Mayor proposing the toast of the new Freemen. He declared that London was delighted to honour men who had thrown self aside and devoted their lives in service of the Nation. It was due largely to the quality of such men that the Empire was so well governed. Mr Savage said that if Mr Lyons and himself made happier the lives .of those people who. had sent |them to London they would haMe done|their duty. “.Whether I were Prime Minister or just working for* a living— Prime Ministers do ndt work for a living, they just take it when it comes —it makes no difference., I shall always be indebted to those associated with me. My sole desire is -to make the British people understand our viewpoints.”