THE OPPOSITION LEADER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19558, 14 August 1925, Page 5

THE OPPOSITION LEADER

MR WILFORD RESIGNS. ILL-HEALTH NECESSITATES RETIREMENT. MR G. W. FORBES APPOINTED. (Fsom Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, August 13. For some weeks now it has been apparent that the health of Mr T. M. Wilford, Leader of the Opposition, has not been satisfactory. He had taken the advice of medical men and it was certified that he was suffering from severe nervous debility. It was freely stated that he would bo likely to resign his position as Leader of the Opposition and that it was more than probable that he would have to take a sea voyage, involving a somewhat prolonged absence from the House of Representatives. On the last occasion on which he made a speech in the House it was evident that he spoke with a considerable want of confidence in himself; a« a matter of fact, he had difficulty in finishing his speech and nearly broke down. Since then he has been only once in the House, and then for a few minutes. There were suggestions that a new Leader would be chosen. It was thought that Mr Sidey, who always has been Mr Wiliord’s first lieutenant, .would bo chosen as Leader, but when the House met this afternoon, it was noticed that Mr Geo. Forbes had shifted up into the seat that was formerly occupied by Mr Wilford, and that Mr Sidey was in his old place. In answer to an inquiry, Mr Forbes stated that Mr Wilford had resigned his position and that he (Mr Forbes) had been elected in his stead. MR WILFORD GRANTED LEAVE. In the House of Representatives in_ the afternoon, Mr E. A. Ransom* Opposition Whip, proposed that leave of absence be granted Mr T. M. Wilford, Leader of the Opposition until the end of the session on account of ill-health. The Prime Minister said he regretted very much that it should be necessary u> move such a motion. He was sure that every member of the House would regret the absence of such a well-known figure. He sincerely regretted the necessity for hi* absence and felt sure that every member would hope that Mr Wilford would soon bo restored to this former state of health and be back among, them once more. Mr Wilford was the oldest member of the House and many members had pleasant remembrances of instances in which they had received help and advice from him. He hoped he would come back completely restored in health to assist in carrying on the work of Parliament. Mr H. E. Holland, Leader of the Labour Party, said he wished to endorse the remarks that had fallen from the Prime Minister. Ho hoped that the trip Mr Wilford was about to 'take would bring him back restored to health. Mr Fbrbes returned thanks tar the references that had been made to his late leader. The public, he said, did not realise the great strain there was upon men who wore taking a part in the work of Parliament. Mr Wilford’s breakdown was due entirely to the work he had been doing. He (Mr Forbes) was pleased to hear the expressions of good-will from the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Labour Party. OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. The official announcement regarding Mr Wilford’s resignation states that his medical adviser has insisted upon Mr. Wilford’s retirement from active participation in political affairs, and declares that while he is suffering from organic trouble, absolute rest from worry and responsibility is essential for some time to come., Mr G. W. Forbes (member for Hurunui), has been appointed Leader of the National Party in succession to Mr Wilford. NATIONAL PARTY’S CAUCUS. The National Party’s caucus accepted Mr Wilford’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 he Jiad made in the interests of the party and the capacity, patience, tact, organising ability, and perseverance he had exhibited in the difficult circumstances attendant to the three-party system. The caucus extended its sincere sympathy to Mr Wilford and expressed the hope that a complete rest would soon lead him to a speedy restoration of health, so that he might again take his place in the political affairs of the country. TRIBUTE TO MRS WILFORD. Tribute was also paid by the party to Mr* Wilford, and the following resolution was passed and forwarded to her:—“The party is well aware that you have at all times rendered invaluable assistance to Mr Wilford in the performance of his duties as a member of Parliament and as Leader of the Opposition, and that your assistance end wise counsel have ever' exercised a strengthening and sustaining influence upon him, while the hospitality of your home has always been open to members of the party. It expresses its great appreciation of those services and sympathises with you deeply in The fact that Mr _ Wilford’s retirement from the leadership is clue to illness, and trusts that a respite from active participation’ in politics will speedily restore his health, and that you will both be spared to one another for many years to come.” NOTIFICATION TO PRIME MINISTER. The National Party, through its Chief Whip (Mr S. G. Smith) notified the Prime Minister this morning of the change that had' been made in the leadership of the party. STATEMENT BY MR WIFFORD. Mr Wilford states: “I will now be able to take a very necessary holiday. I have handed over to Mr Forbes all the information, largely personal, which I possess in regard to the electorates throughout the dominion. When that work is completed and up-to-date the medical advice given will be adopted and will be followed, I hope, with good results.” THE NEW LEADER. Asked his opinion of Mr Forbes, as the now Leader of the National Party, Mr Wilford said: “He is exceptionally fitted for the position. He has the confidence of the whole of the farming community of New Zealand and the business community, and I am satisfied that ho will make a better leader than ever I have been.” Mr Forbee, who has been a member of Parliament for 17 years, was born at Lyttelton 57 years ago. He was educated at the Christchurch Boy’s High School, and, in his younger days, was a prominent sportsman. Ho achieved distinction as a Rugby footballer and a rowing man. He captained the East Christchurch Football Club when it won the Christchurch Rugby Championship, and ended his football career as captain of the Canterbury representative team. Up to the time he was 25 years of age ho followed commercial pursuits, but then decided to take up farming. He drew a section in a ballot for the wellknown Cheviot Estate, and was one of the original settlors on that settlement. When he entered the House, Mr Forbes belonged to the Radical and more advanced section of the LiberaU Party. Mr Forbes was for 10 years whip to the Liberal Party. He has served on many of the committees of the House of Representatives, and at the present timers a member of the Lands Committee and the Agricultural and Stock Committee. He has performed good service in local body work, and was a member of the first Cheviot County Council. Ho wag also a member of the Lands Commission set up by the Liberal Government to inquire into various matters connected with land settlement in the dominion.