MR. WILFORD'S POSITION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 214, 6 September 1912, Page 6

MR. WILFORD'S POSITION.

I WITHDRAWAL FROM THE I ! OPPOSITION. A FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT. (By T<-lP?mpll.— Press Association.) WELLI.VGTON*, Thursday. At a social given at Petone last night by Mr. T. M. Wilford's late Election Committee. Mr. Wilfurd made the following statement: — "The time has arrived when I must announce 1" my constituents that I have formally withdrawn from the present Opposition parly in Parliament.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 Snddon and Ward party were in power the general policy of the parly, expressed in the Government's legislation, called lor my hearty fupport. 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 Wuv I<> dissociate mysel? from the extreme views by a number of the party is by taking the course 1 have Indicated. "I am now. as I have always been, a Liberal of moderate views, and an opposer of fads. I intend to reserve to myself full liberty to criticise all legislation introduced, and to support those measures which, in nry opinion, are 'for New Zealand-' " WELLINGTON', this day. A meeting held at I'etono last night unanimously approved of Mr. Wil ford's action, and expressed owry confidence in hi-m as the representative of the electorate.