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Hokitika Guardian, 15 November 1929, Page 4

Thu appointment of Hon T. Wilford as High Commissioner will set all the pol.tical tongues waggng again as to immediate possibilities. Mr Willord’s selection is a. good one for the position. Tie has talents and qualities foi .ho exalted position with h will tit ven well into the new niche, he has to >ccup\. He has seen long narliament-u-y experience and has a knowledge "f men and manners, which will stand him well on the other side of the world. The High Commissioner has increased duties ot late. Once he was an agent to represent the country mainly in its linaneal dealings, hut since then trading and diplomacy have been added to his responsibilities, and

he must lie very versatile in his knowledge and hearing. Air Milford's qualities should assist him to till the hill well. The l inked Party will miss him. Next to Sir Joseph Ward he has had the most pari.amentary experience of his colleagues. In times past he led the parly, and he served with the National Government, and did well. Prohahly .hut lor this coming evein '•listing ils shadow Indore, .Mr Wilford would have heeii deputy leader 7nslead nl Mr Korhes in the recent session. However, Ihe parly will have to do without In.s valued services in the luliire, as assuming the High Commissionership he will lie removed from the political arena. His place in the Ministry will have to he filled, and also very important, liis seat in the House, hor the former, Sir Joseph has the opportunity oj drawing on other of his followers, and his choice is not necessarily lestri Led. In a contest lor the Hutt seat anything may happen, for it is not; clear how many candidates wili c curie forward. Mr Wilford has won his seat time and again with his personality. He has lieen hotly opposed ny Labour in the past,, but .Mr Nash, who was his opponent in times past, may 1.0 sent as one of the l Labour delegates to (lonova, and if this is on the tapis, may not he taken to contest a seat; in Parliament with the possible result in doubt, So far there is not any move as to likely developments, which is nil in favour of the United nominee, whoever he nitty be. A wise choice of candidate! at this jun ture woud help the United Party to hold the seat, and the best advice is sure to he taken on that point. In wishing Mr Milford well at li is new post, it remains only to congratulate Sir James Parr who will give up the office with much credit to himself, credit which has been reflected on the Dominion.