MR. WILFORD'S RESIGNATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 190, 13 August 1925, Page 6

MR. WILFORD'S RESIGNATION.

There will be regret in all partiee at the news that Mr. Wilford's healili has made it necessary for him to retire, temporarily at any rate, from the leadership of the Opposition. That Mr. Wilford's health has been bad lately has been plain; he has carried on his duties with difficulty. For his own sake he must have a rest, and everybody will hope that he will return from his leave in good health. As public men are judged he is still young, and there appears to be no reason why lie should not give many more years to the service of the community. His record in public life has been more successful and more varied than many of his countrymen realise. He was one of the ablest and most progressive mayors and chairmen of the Harbour Board that Wellington has had. It is agreed that as Chairman of Committees in the House he was the best of his period. He made an excellent Minister of Justice and Minister of Marine in the National Government. As leader of the Opposition he lias had a most difficult task; in fact, we doubt whether any of his predecessors in that position was so unfortunately situated. His leadership lacked insprration, but he gave to the position the best that was in him, and stuck to his post through many discouragements. Liberalism i 3 grateful to him for his services. Our Wellington correspondent does not doubt that Mr. Wilford's successor will be Mr. Forbes. Mr. Sidey's character, ability, and long service give him a claim on the leadership, but as a debater he has defects which outweigh these considerations. In the North Mr. Forbes is not so well known as some other members of the party, but he has long been regarded as a hard-working, sincere Liberal, with a good deal of the lighter in him. Now that the breakdown of the fusion negotiations leaves the Opposition free to speak, there is need for a vigorous attack on the Government position, and in a few months the General Election will be upon the party. "Whoever succeeds Mr. Wilford will need all the energy and enthusiasm and knowledge he can command.