MR. WILFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 94, 6 September 1912, Page 5

MR. WILFORD.

AN ABSOLUTE INDEPENDENT. CUTS LOOSE FROM THE OPPOSITION. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. At a social given at Pctone to-night by Mr. Wilford's late election committee, Mr. Wilford made the following statement.—"The time has arrived when I must announce to my constituents that I have formally withdrawn from the present Opposition party in Parliament. This withdrawal was made before that party proceeded to the election of its executive. This course became imperative, as I realised that the views held by a number of that party are totally opposed to those which I have always held. Whilst the Seddon-Ward party were in power the general policy of the parly expressed in the Government's legislation called for my hearty support. It is plain, however, that this did not mean my concurrence in the views of the extreme section of that party. Now that the party is in opposition I feel that the only way to dissociate myself from the extreme views expressed by a number of the party is by taking the course I have indicated. I am now, as I have always been, a Liberal of moderate views, and an opposer of fails. I intend to reserve to myself full liberty to criticise all legislation introduced, and to support those measures which in my opinion are 'for New Zealand.'"