HON. T.M. WILFORD

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 137, 6 December 1929, Page 12

HON. T.M. WILFORD

LAST CABINET MEETING

PRESENTATION MADE

At the Cabinet meeting to-day the Hon. T. M. Wilford's colleagues took the opportunity of saying farewell to the new High Commissioner, as that was the last meeting of Cabinet at which he was likely to attend. The Hon. G. W. Forbes, Hon. Sir Apirana Ngata, and Hon. T. K. Sidey made felicitous speeches, and on behalf of the members of the Ministry presented Mr. Wilford with a handsome rug and a similar one for Mrs. Wilford, manufactured m his old electorate. The speakers, in wishing Mr. Wilford good luck in his now sphere, expressed their opinion that he was the right man tor such an important position, as for many years lie had made a close study o± Jimpn-o affairs aud liad travelled extensively to secure a first-hand knowledge. They felt that at the international gatherings whicV lie would attend he would be able to represent the Dominion very ably. His personal associations with prominent people in the Old Country would enable him to get in touch with affairs without ..day as he was no stranger to London. Mr Wilford thanked his colleagues tor the particularly appropriate present, which would remind him of his long association with the Hutt electorate. He was hopeful, he added, that his study of Imperial problems and the economic aspect of affairs would enable him to do his best to further develop the trade between New Zealand and the Mother Country and to make helpful suggestions to our producers. He also looked forward with pleasure to participation in the international conference on naval disarmament