SIR THOMAS WILFORD

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1931, Page 7

SIR THOMAS WILFORD

ADMIRAL’S COMPLIMENT. “SIR, I LIKE YOUR FACE.” (New Zealand Herald Correspondent.) London; Nov. 10. Sir Thonias..Wilfqrd ;was., the chief guest at the Authors’ Club dinner last night. The topic was, “The Dominions and the War.” Rear-Admiral A. F; B. Carpenter, V.C., of ZeebruggO; fame, was in the chair, and it fell to his lot tef propose the toast of the'High Comm is-, sioner. ■ * • The chairman’s meeting, with Sir Thomas for the first t time, Tie said, recalled a story of a- brusque admiral, who, on joining his flagship-for the first time, sent for his officer. “That young officer happened to be me,” he said. "I entered his cabin , and found, him writing at his table. He went on writing without looking up. When he had been doing that for some time I thought the time was approaching when I should make my presence known. With great trepidation, I eaid, ‘You sent for me, sir.’ He went on writing without looking up. After a while he looked up at me and said, ‘Yes, I did send for you. I don’t like your face, but I expect we shall.get on.’ (Laughter). “This is the first time I have met Sir Thomas Wilford. lam now an admiral, and not only that, but chairman, and I can say, ‘Sir, I like your face.’ ” (Cheers and laughter).