FOR LONDON

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 138, 7 December 1929, Page 10

FOR LONDON

HIGH COMMISSIONER

MR. WILFORD SAILING TO-DAY

The new High Commissioner for New Zealand, the Hon. T. M. Wilford, K.C., accompanied by Mrs. Wilford, will sail this afternoon for London by the Bangitiki.

To-day Mr. Wilford resigned his portfolios of Justice and Defence, also his membership of the Executive Council. It is unlikely that anything will be done in the way of re-allocating portfolios or filling the vacancy caused by Mr. Wilford's resignation until next week at the earliest. The first- step in tho process will have to be tho formal acceptance by the Governor-General of Mr. Wilford's resignation and the publication of the fact in tho "Gazette." It is expected that the Attorney-Gen-eral (the Hon. T. K. Sidey) will take over the portfolio of Justice,, temporarily at any rate, and that another of the present Ministers will bo given the portfolio of Defence. If a new Minister is eventually appointed to the Cabinet in placo of Mr. Wilford, it may possibly be Mr. A. J. Murdoch, M P for Marsden, who is the Chief Whip ot the United Party, but it is quite oil the cards that the Prime Minister will take time to consider the position. Farewell messages to the people of New Zealand were broadcasted by Mr and Mrs. Wilford from 2YA last night! Mr. Wilford said ho was delighted to be going, naturally, because he was achieving the ambition of his life. On the other hand ho was full of regrets at leaving what he believed to be the most beautiful country in the world His work in the Hutt constituency had been arduous at times, but it had been .1 labour of love. In the last year he had been absent from Wellington for only eighteen days, so that he would welcome the rest on the voyage. "Iv relinquishing my portfolio of Defence I am satisfied that the heads of this Department are men of whom this country should be proud," continued Mr. Wilford. "Capable, loyal, and experienced, I have received wonderful assistance from them, while the wise counsel I have received from my secretary (Mr. Dixon) has. made my task a light one."

In regard to aviation, in which he had taken a great interest, he believed the future would show that the skyways would largely be the highways of this country. "I hope any companies that are formed to develop commercial aviation will have as their watchword 'Safety and Service'," he said. "We have as fine' material for the making of airmen as there are anywhere. The young Now Zealander has _ resource, independence, and quick initiative, and these three attributes make for successful pilots." In a message to the youth of the Dominion, he urged each to hitch his wagon-to-a star. They should have some objective in life. "Strive for some achievement, remembering that there is always room at the top. Take trouble with little things." Mr. Wilford thanked all who had extended him good wishes, and said he would endeavour to deserve the appreciations.

Mrs. Wilford bade good-bye to her friends, and said she would be looking forward to the time when sho would be returning to renew many personal friendships.