"THROUGH THICK AND THIN."

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 139, 8 December 1911, Page 4

"THROUGH THICK AND THIN."

A WIFE'S APPEAL. There has been much interest taken, especially by women folk, in the manner in which Mrs. Wilford lias assisted her husband in his campaign for the Hutt seat—a campaign which, so far as Mr. Wilford is concerned, was conducted with an almost pathetic lack of strenuousness on account of the retiring member's incomplete recovery from a severe illness. Quite a number of meetings in small centres have been addressed by Mrs. Wilford, who has had the loyal support of several friends of her husband. Her most trying ordeal, however, was on Wednesday night, when she had to speak to a very large audience in the Palace Theatre, Petoue. Mr. Wilford has been obliged to refrain from addressing meetings, but he had saved himself for one final effort in Petoue on the eve of the election. His medical adviser yester - day, however, absolutely forbade him to speak that night, and lie was obliged to 6Uibmit to the inevitable. Bis place was taken by Mrs. Wilford. In a quiet, deliberate and brief speech, Mrs. Wilford explained her husband's position, and his disappointment at being unable to deliver his address. With great sincerity she appealed' for the consideration of the audience. She referred briefly to Mt. Wilford's loyal service to the electorate, and expresed the belief that he would soon occupy a more prominent position in the political world, and a hope that he would not have to undergo the ordeal of a second ballot. With evident satisfaction she quoted Dr. Collins' report that Mr. Wilford was not, as had been rumored, suffering from a serious internal complaint, but would, given rest and freedom from worry, be completely' restored to health. This statement was loudly applauded. A resolution, unanimously carried, conveyed a message to Mr. WilfoTd that it was the intention of those present to stick to Topi Wilford' "through thick and thin." The resolution was carried with musical honors, "For (He's a 'folly Good Fellow" being sung, and followed by cheers for the candidate.—Wellington Times.