MR. T. M. WILFORD, M.P.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1493, 16 July 1912, Page 7

MR. T. M. WILFORD, M.P.

ENTERTAINED AT THE HUTT. 'Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.l\, was entertained by. his friends and supporters at Lower Hutt last evening, in (he King George Theatre, which was fairly well filled. Jfrs. Wilford was, .also present, and Sir James Carroll. 'Mr. C. J. Hollard, .who presided, extended the felicitations of the gathering to Mr. and Mrs. Wilford upon their return to New Zealand, and, commenting upon Mr. Wilford's political work, predicted for him a prominent place in the future politics of the country. Mr. E. I'. Rishworth also' spoke, and referred to what he ternvd the oimit"? of "the Young New Zealand Party." Th«r« had been growing up among tne youiner men of this country, he said, a' feeling that tho head of the Government ought to bo a New Zealander, and the future realisation of their hopes was largely centred upon Mr. Wilford. Sir James Carroll,; who also niado.a few remarks, said that he did not de-iiro to trench upon the field of polities', but he took occasion to say that nt the presDiit juncture the country required the services of a strong and vigorous Administration, the struggle for the minimum wafe would impose upon (he legislature the task of framing measures for the social betterment of all. Replying to the felicitations of the various speakers, Mr. Wilford, in the cour.-o of a lengthy speech, referred to his political attitude towards the new Government. A good many people had tried to get him to define his position, and tell the public what he was going to do. As a lawyer, lie would sav to these people that it was usual to wait till the other side had filed its statement of claim before disclosing one's defence. Tf Mr. Massey and his Ministers brought down a policy of Liberalism and progress, and showed a determination to advance with the times, he would feel it his duty to accord them his whole-hearted support. But if the cloven hoof of. Toryism rej'vcdle'd itself, he would then take the line that seemed to him best in the interests of the country. The solidarity of the Massey Government had been tlie subject of comment, but this solidarity was largely duo to the fact thnt'for 'years thev liad been in Opposition, united in a common cause—the destruction of the Government. Now-that they were in power, their individual differences and interests would bo revealed in their legislation. He would await Mr. Mnssey's policy, and 'if he could not approve of that policy then he would make common cause with others to oust the Government. The speaker then reviewed his impressions of the industrial upheavol in the Old World, discussed the moin aspects of co-partnership and profit, and concluded with a descriptive sketch of New York and his impressions of the Americans. A short musical programme was carried out during the evening, and dancing followed..