From 2YA

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 22, 13 December 1929, Page 7

From 2YA

-_-_-o Farewell to New Zealand ‘THE Hon. T.;M. Wilford, High Com: missioner fé6r New Zealand, prior to sailing for London on Saturday last, bade farewell to the. Dominion from 2YA. His remarks were relayed by 3YA, é Mr. Wilford said he wished to thank the Broadcasting Company for giving him the wnique opportunity of saying goodbye to his many friends in Newt Zealand, He felt it was fitting after his thirty years’ connection with ParAMjementary life in this country that he should make a few remarks before he left. : "I am delighted to be going, naturally, because *I am achieving the ambition of niy"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." His -work -in thé Hutt’ constituency had been arduous at times, but it had been a labour of-love. In the last year he had been absent from--Wellington only 18 days, so that he would welcome the voyage to Bnglind, ’ "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.. "Capable, loyal and experienced, 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 number of leading newspaper articles that were now written on the subject as compared with a few years ago, and: said the personal interest hehad 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. o "T hope any companies that are formed to develop commercial aviation will have as their watchword ‘Safety and Service’," he went on. "We have as £ material for the making of airmen ey there are .nywhere. The young New Zealander has resource, indenen-

dence and quick initiative, ar’ 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 there is always room at the top. Take trouble with little things." Mr. Wilford returned thanks for all the good wishes that had been given him. He would;.endeavour to deserve the appreciations and hoped that when he returned :to New Zealand there would be "something accomplished, something done’* ~- ‘ Mrs. Wilford also spoke briefly. She farewelled her friends and said she would look forward. to the time when she would return:to the Dominion.