THE OPPOSITION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15552, 6 September 1912, Page 5

THE OPPOSITION.

ANOTHER SUPPORTER LOST. |i MR WILFORtTs POSITION. . j;j (Per United Press Association.) ',' WELLINGTON, September 5. 2 At a social given at Petono to-night byMr Wilfoid's late election committee Sir' Wilford made the following Btaicmcnt— ./;■■ " The time has arrived when I miist: Riinounco to m.v constituents that I have-; formally withdrawn from the present; Opposition party in Parliament. Thiswithdrawal was made before tint party}proceeded to the election of its executive. This course became imperative, as: I. realised that tho views hold by a mini-; Ixr of that party arc totally onposcd tothose which I have always held. Whilst-; tho Scddon and Ward party was in; power tho general policy of tho partyexpressed in tho (iovernnicnt's legislation called for my hearty support. ' It is plain, however, that this did not meanmy concurrence in tho views oNho ex--tr'cme section of that party. Now thßC| the party is in Oppositi&n, I fcol thati tho only way to disassociate myself from' the oxtremo views expressed by a nuiri-i ber of the parly is by taking tho course I havo indicated. I am now, as I liavo; always licen, a Liberal of moderate} views and an opposer of fads. I Intend ■ to rcscrvo to myself full liberty to criti-,1 cisc oil legislation introduced and to,} support theso measures which, in my,' opinion, are for New Zealand.'" ; |