BACK FROM THE EAST

Southland Times, Issue 19170, 14 February 1924, Page 4

BACK FROM THE EAST

MR T. M. WILFORD WELCOMED. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 13. Mr T. M. Wilford, Leader of the Opposition, was welcomed back by his constituents at a social. Mr McEwan, Mayor of Petone, who presided, caused some amusement by saying he was not going to ask them to sing “Will, we have missed you,” or even “Where have ye been all the day, my boy, Tammie.” Mr W. A. Veitch, M.P., also spoke, saying that many travellers merely sat dowu and took nourishment, but Mr Wilford sat up and took notice. Mr Wilford, who was received with loud applause, cordially thanked those present for their very hearty reception. He was glad to say that the Liberal-Labour Party was a very happy family. He w r as proud to be the leader of such a party, containing so many capable men, and he was sure that the campaign throughout the Dominion upon which they were just about to embark would show that they had in their midst many of % the best speakers in the country. Mr Wilford gave a very interesting account of his visit to the East, describing the varied and beautiful scenery he saw and the habits and customs of the different races. At the close he was accorded A hearty vote of thanks and confidence.