HIGH COMMISSIONER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21296, 24 September 1932, Page 10

HIGH COMMISSIONER

EXTENSION OF TERM PERIOD OF ONE YEAR SIR THOMAS WILFORD'S POST VALUABLE SERVICES • CIVEN [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Friday •An announcement that Sir Thomas Wilford's three years' term as High Commissioner for New Zealand in London had been extended by a year was made by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, at the conclusion of a Cabinet meeting this evening. Sir Thomas' term would normally expire at the end of this year, and there had been a suggestion recently that ho was not anxious to accept office for a further term. However, it is believed that tho Government is impressed with the capable manner in which he has performed his duties. Further, some difficulty might have been experienced in releasing from important duties in New Zealand one of a number of suitable candidates to fill the London post. "We are constantly receiving eulogistic references to the work of Sir Thomas Wilford," said Mr. Forbes, in announcing the year's extension. "There is no doubt that he is performing the duties of his office with exceptional ability. "Now that we are putting into operation a new policy of reciprocal Empire preferences, it was felt desirable to retain in Britain the services of Sir Thomas, who, in the past two or three years, has acquired a fund of first-hand knowledge which must prove extremely valuable in ensuring the smooth running of new arrangements." Mr. Forbes added that Sir Thomas had intimated his willingness to carry on for the extended period.