FORTY YEARS AFTER.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18903, 19 January 1927, Page 10

FORTY YEARS AFTER.

A FORWARD AND A BACK. Old Christ's College Eugby football associations—and a Bequel—were,recalled by Mr T. M. Wilford, M.P. for Hutt, when introducing the Minister for Public Works (the Hon. Mr Williams) to the gathering which attended the opening of the Manor Park bridge at Haywards. "I am introducing a friend of 40 years' standing," remarked Mr Wilford. "In 1886 Mr Williams and I played in the Christ's College first fifteen! In those days Mr Williams played forward and I full-back. To-day he is still playing forward, and I am playing back. It is a case of history repeating il&elf, and we are back to where we were forty years ago." (Laughter). Mr Wilford described Mr W. H. Field, M.P.. for Otaki, as another friend of 40 years' standing. "I do not feel in strange company," added the speaker, "since William Hughes Field was my best man when I was married." (Renewed laughter.) In the course of his remarks the Hon. Mr Williams thanked Mr Wilford for his references to the college days. He and Mr Wilford had always been friends and ho hoped that friendship would always continue. "The friendships one forms in ono-'s youth," added the Miniister, "arc riiore valuable .than any other."