MR WILFORD’S OPTIMISM

Evening Star, Issue 18137, 29 November 1922, Page 1

MR WILFORD’S OPTIMISM

“WAVE OF LIBERALISM RISINGk” DRIFT FROM REFORM BET IN. [SPECIAL 10 XHB * SlAßu"] CHRISTOHUROH, Not. 29. “ My visit to the South Maud has Leon au eyeopener to me with regard to the wave of Liberalism which is undoubtedly rising here, as in tho North Island,” said Mr Wilford prior to his departure for Wellington. “ I believed when starting out on. my tour somo weeks ago,” ho said, “ I should have some success and many, obstacles to surmount, <ual mat, ..m old Liberal Party, which has done go much for tho dominion in tho day* gone by, would have to bo aroused, and that tho greatest possible effort would be needed. What nave I found P I have found in the North Island and tho South Island that people are looking for change from government by the Reformers, and that they aro ready and willing to help to bring about that change. In throe of the principal cities—Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin—whore I have spoken' enthusiastic. support has boon forthcoming from all quarters. Readiness and willingness to work for our side ia evidenced on all bands; and if I may mention ono striking example of this, I would like to point out tho ready support which is coming in daily from tho small farmers of the dominion. When I started out I. was told by many that I might expect support in somo of the city scats, hut that the country seats wore still for Reform, I believe the results of the poll will prove that such is not tho case in the farming communities. In both islands the change is hero, and will bo emphatically evidenced next week. From many constituencies I have in the past week received reliable information that tho drift from Reform to Liberalism has sot in.”