THE LOYAL LIBERALS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1920, Page 4

THE LOYAL LIBERALS

“SMALL BAND, BUT LOYAL.”

’ -Mr T. E. Y. Seddon, introduced at Mr Wilford’s complimentary social as tlio son of Now Zealand’s great leader of other years, was accorded a hearty I welcome. He also congratulated -Mr ! Wilford on his election to the Liberal leadership. Some said the Liberals wore decimated, but better a few loyal supporters than a big unwieldy party of place-seekers. ; Applause.) He reminded them of another small band that had accomplished much—the contemptible little army that had saved . civilisation. Mr Wilford had taken the | cudgels up on behalf of the party. They ' deplored the death of Mr MacDonald, for there was no finer man in the House, and New Zealand lost a great friend and a great statesman. The party j was going to give Mr Wilford its loyal ! support. He possessed great qualities of leadership and had shown undoubted evidence of that already. There was not a member of the Ministry to-day j who could go and address an open public j meeting. In the old days his father | had keen dared to go to public meetings and face llie people. The Government ,°f to-dav was dared, hut did not accept the challenge. The leader of these other days had faced the people and explained away the difficulties and he , was their lender in the real meaning 1 of the word. (Applause.) The party ■ looked to big things from Mr Wilford, and they hoped the banner of Liberalism would be carried high and gloriously by the member for Hiitt. (Applause.)