FAREWELL TO N.Z.

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 840, 7 December 1929, Page 6

FAREWELL TO N.Z.

NEW HIGH COMMISSIONER SAYS GOOD-BYE MR. WILFORD BROADCASTS Press Association WELLINGTON, Today. Matters ot national import were touched on by the Hon. T. M. V ilford. Minister of Justice and Defence, when through 2YA Broadcasting Station he bade farewell to New Zealand before the departure of himself and Mrs. Wilford for England this morning by the Rangitiki. “I am delighted to be going, naturally, because I am achieving the ambition of my life,” he said, "and no man can ask more than that. On the other hand, I am full of regrets at leaving what I feel to be the most beautiful country in the world. “In 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. “They are capable, loyal and experienced, and 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 going on to deal with aviation, Mr. Wilford drew attention to the growth in the number of leading newspaper articles that were now written on the subject as compared with a few years ago, and said the personal interest he had taken in that important development had in many cases communicated itself to others. “I believe the future will show that the skyways will largely be the highways of this country,” he stated.

Those away in the Far North around Kaitaia, where some of the finest fruit of the world was produced, were failing for want of quick transport to the market. Aviation might meet that need. “I hope any companies that are formed to develop commercial aviation will have as their watchword, “Safety and Service.’”

He went on, “We have as fine material for the making of airmen as there is anywhere. The young New Zealander has resource, independence and quick initiative, and these three attributes make for successful pilots." “Let each one hitch his wagon to a star,” said Mr. Wilford, in giving a message to young New Zealand. “By that I mean, have some objective in life, strive for some achievement, remembering that there is always room at the top. Take trouble with little things.” Mrs. Wilford also spoke. Briefly she said good-bye to her friends and said she would look forward to the time when she would return to the Dominion.