NATIONAL PARTY

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 14 August 1925, Page 5

NATIONAL PARTY

AIR. WTLFORD RESIGNS

ON ACCOUNT ILL-HEALTII

AIR FORBES THE NEW LEADER.

(BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION, WELLINGTON, Aug. 13. Owing to ill-health, Mr T. M. M ilford has found it necessary to relinquish the leadership of the National Party, and his resignation was submitted to a caucus ot the party held at / .30 o clock last night. Mr Wi ford’s medical adviser has insisted upon Air \\ ilford’s retirement from active participation in political affairs, and declares that, while Mr Wilford is suffering no organic trouble, absolute rest from worry and responsibility is essentia 1 for some time to come. Air G. W. Forbes, member for Htiru--11 iii, has been appointed leader ol the National Party in succession to Air Wilford. , The National Party’s caucus accepted Air AVilford’s resignation with deep regret, and put on record its appreciation of his qualities and services as a leader. Every member of the party acknowledged the sacrifices lie- had made in the interests of the party, and tlie capacity, patience, tact, organising abi'ity and perseverance he had exhibited in the difficult circumstances attendant oil the three-party system. The caucus extended its sincere sympathy to Mr AVil ford, and expressed the hope that a complete rest would soon lead him to a speedy restoration ol health, so that lie might again take ii- place in the political affairs oi the country. , ... A striking tribute was a so paid by the party to Airs Wilford. PARLIAAIFNT PAYS ITS TRIBUTE.

WELLINGTON, Aug. 13. When Parliament assembled this afternoon Mr Forbes occupied the seat of the Leader of the National Party. Ah- E. A. Ransom (Pahiatua) moved that leave of absence be granted to Air Wilford for the remainder, of the session. . . /T 1 , r , The Prime Alims ter (Hon. J. Coates), speaking to the motion, said he was sure every member would regret the •necessity for such a motion, and the wish would everywhere go out that Air Wilford would soon fie restored to normal health. Air Wilford was the oldest member of Parliament, and tor him everyone had the greatest respect. Air Coates trusted that the tour which Mr AVilford proposed to take would have tlie effect of completely restoring him to health, so that in due course he would be able to return to Parliament to join them in carrying on the work of the country. The Leader of the Labour Party (Mr H E Holland) briefly but feelingly regretted the fact that Mr AVilford had found it necessary to ask for leave, and expressed the hope that he would soon l>e sufficiently restored to health to resume his Parliamentary duties. AH* Forbes, on behalf of the National Party, thanked the leaders of the other parties for their kindly and sympathetic references to Air. AVilford. The public did not; perhaps, quite realise the strenuous character of a leader s work, and Mr AVilford’s breakdown .111 healtli was entirely due to the conscientious discharge of his duties. Ho felt sure AH AVilford wil» deeply appreciate the kindly reference which had been made to him by the Prime. Minister and the Leader of tlie Laboiu Party. 'The motion was agreed to.