THE NATIONAL PARTY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 190, 13 August 1925, Page 8

THE NATIONAL PARTY.

MR. WILFORDS RESIGNATION. ACCEPTED WITH REGRET. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The National partys caucus accepted Mr. Wilfords resignation with deep regret and put on record its appreciation of his qualities and services as leader. Every member of the party acknowledged the sacrfices he had niade in the interests of the party and the capacity, patience, tact, organising ability nnd perseverance he had exhibited in difficult circumstances attendant to the threeparty system. The caucus extended its sincere sympathy to Mr. Wilfor, and expressed a hope that complete rest would soon lead him to speedy restoration of health, so that he might aeain take his j place in . the political affairs of the I country. . | ■A striking tribute was also paid by! the party to Mrs. Wilford. The National! nartv. through its chief whip (Mn S. G. Smith) notified the Prime Minister this i morning of the change that had been ' made in the leadership of the party, i Leave of absence for Mr. Wilford for ! the remainder, of the session will be asked for in the House, of Representatives this afternoon. MR. FORBES AS LEADER. . (By Telegraph.—'Press Assoelat'on.) WELLINGTON, this day! Mr. Wilfords medical adviser insisted \ upon his retirement from active partici- j pation in' ' political affairs, and , declared that while Mr. Wilford was j suffering from do organic .trouble abso- ■ lute rest from worry and rseponsibility was essential for some time to come. j Mr. G. W. Forbes, member for Hum- | nui. has been appointed leader of the j National party in succession to Mr. ' Wilford.