TWO “FATHERS.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19697, 26 January 1926, Page 6

TWO “FATHERS.”

PARLIAMENTARY VETERANS. MR WILFORD AND “TAY PAY.” LUNCH AT THE HOUSE OP COMMONS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, December 1L The “Father” of the New Zealand House of Representatives, Mr T. M. Wilford, was entertained to hmcheon at th« House of Commons by Mr T. P. O'Connor, the “Father” of the British House of Commons. Subsequently a photograph was taken, hvith Mr L. S. Amery (Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs) standing between. Mr Wilford has also been the guest of Sir IT. d’Egville and has been a good deal at the House of Commons. Mr O'Connor, in the Sunday Times, relates that one of the first things Mr Wilford said to him was that he had heard the talk on Queen .Alexandra 'which ha had delivered through the broadcasting, and it was heard by him at sea fifteen hundred miles away. Mr Wilford added that it was heard so clearly that the speech produced its full effect; also that one of the men hearing it broke into sobs. Mr O'Connor himself thought the speech poor. He continued : “But then one of the psychological facts of oratory is that the speaker is never conscious whether he has been doing well or ill. I deal with one of the great historic illustrations of the curious fact in a study of Lincoln’s Gettysburg speech in the current number of T.P’s. and Cassell’s Weekly. The speech, as is known, has passed into history as one of the most wonderful in all the long story of great speeches; and when it fwas delivered the audience all thought it a failure; Lincoln himself thought it a failure, and wss depressed over it for months afterwards. I repeat what I have often said about a speaker; he rises in self-distrust; he sit a down in self-disgust.” The Father of the British House "of Commons describes Mr Wilford as “a very intelligent and a very attractive personality.” SETTLING THE “FATHER” POINT. As a matter of fact, Mr Wilford was dubious about his right to the distinction. He thought that the honour should belong to Sir Joseph Ward. But Sir Howard d’Egville (Empire Parliamentary Association) went thoroughly and carefully into the matter, and decided that Mr Wilford undoubtedly is the Father of th< New Zealand House of Representatives. The decision depended upon continuoui holding of a seat for the longest period. While Mr Wilford had sat without cessation since 1900 (Wellington Suburbs for three years, and Hutt since 1905), there had been intervals when Sir Josenh was not in Parliament. Mr Wilford also told me the interesting fact that when he left New Zealand he, Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, and the Hon J. A. Hanan had seen equally long Parliamentary service, but,_ whereaa the two latter did not again offer themselves last election, Mr Wilford was returned. By the way, he was naturally much gratified to receive the intimation of his re-election, as his health had not allowed him to visit his constituents. A GOOD VOYAGE. The Port Dunedin, by which Mr and Mrs Wilford and their son travelled, mads an excellent trip, and it augurs well for the future of the motor type of cargo vessel. The Port Dunedin left New Zealand on October 16; the Arawa had got away some four days previously and so had a start of 1100 miles. At 8 a.m. on November 10, the Port Dunedin overtook the .Arawa, and got into port nearly cwo days ahead of her. IN LONDON. Mr and Mrs Wilford were present in the Abbey at the funeral service of Queen Alexandra, but generally speaking the former has been taking things very quietly. He says he is “1000 per cent, better than when he left the Dominion,” for the voyage proved of considerable benefit, but even so he finds that London is too much for him, and he has not been able to accept the he suitability which has been extended to him. One day ha was at the Old Bailey during tb» trial of the twelve Communists, and later he heard the debate on the same subject in the House of Commons —both, of course, having a particular interest Tot him. Another afternoon, at a meeting in the House of Commons, he listened with special zest to an address by Sir John Power on his recent visit to Canada. Sir John spoke on the subject of cementing the Imperial connection and on the creation of the closer Empire touch. There were present representatives from Canada, Australia, South Africa, and Newfoundland as well ; also a large number of members of the Commons, representative of all parties. At the conclusion of Sir John's address Mr J. H. Thomas spoke. A QUIET REST. This week Mr and Mrs Wilford and their son left for Devonshire, and they have firmly declined to make known the locality of the remote thatched cottage which has been secured for them by Miss M'Lean, 0.8. E. (sister of Mrs Wilford), The idea is to ensure absolute rest, in tire hope that by the time spring comes Mx Wilford will be well on way to complete restoration of health. Miss Wilford arrived from Australia at the end of last week.