A LAST FAREWELL.

Thames Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 17763, 10 December 1929, Page 5

A LAST FAREWELL.

NEW HIGH COMMISSIONER.

GLAD OP A REST.

SPEECH OVER WIRELESS.

Matters of national import were lightly touched on by the Hon. T. M. Wilford, the newlyrappointed High Commissioner, when, through the instrumentality of radio station 2YA, he said farewell to New Zealand before the departure of himself and Mrs. Wilford for England by the Rangitiki. Mr. Wilford said he wished to thank the Broadcasting Company for giving him the unique opportunity of saying good-bye to his many friends in New Zealand. • He felt it was fitting, after his thirty years' connection with'Parliamentary life in this country, that he should make a few remarks before he left.

"I am delighted to be going, naturally, because I am achieving the ambition of my life," he said, "and no man can ask more than that. On the other hand, I am full of regrets at leaving what T feel to be the most beautiful country in. the world." His work in the Hutt constituency had been arduous at times, but it had been a labour nf love. In the last year he had been absent from Wellington only 18 days, so that he would welcome the rest on the voyage to England. "In relinquishing my portfolio of Defence I am satisfied that the heads of this department are men of whom this country should be proud," continued Mr. Wilford. "Capable, loyal and experienced, I have received wonderful assistance from them, while the wise counsel I have received from my secretary (Mr. Dixon) has made my task a light one." "Skyways to Highways."

In going on to deal with aviation, Mr. Wilford drew attention to the growth in number of leading newspaper articles that were now written on the subject as compared with a few years ago,- and said the personal interest he had taken in that important development had in many cases communicated itself to others. "I believe the future will show that the skyways will largely he the highways of this country," he stated. -"I hope any companies that are formed to develop commercial aviation will ,h!ave as their watchword 'Safety and Service'," he went on. "We have as fine material for the making of airmen as there are anywhere. The young New Zealander, has resource, independence and quick initiative, and these three attributes make for successful pilots.

Message to Youth. "Let each one hitch his wagon to a star," said Mr. Wilford, in giving a message to young New Zealand. "By that I mean, have some objective in life. Strive for some achievement, remembering there is always room at the top . Take trouble with little things." Mr. Wilford returned thanks for all the gcnd wishes that had been given him. He would endeavour to deserve, the appreciations and honed that when he returned to New Zealand there would be "something accomplished, something done."

Mrs. Wflford also sooke briefly. She farewelled her friends and said she would look forward to the time when she would return to the Dominion-