LIBERAL PARTY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20057, 21 September 1920, Page 7

LIBERAL PARTY.

RECEPTION TO LEADER, APPEAL TO MODERATE LABOUR. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 20. A public reception was tendered to Mr.T. M. Wilford at Petone to-night by his constituents in the Hutt electorate, in honour of his appointment ns Leader of the Liberal Opposition in Parliament. There was a large attendance, which was presided over by the Mayor of Petone, including a numbei of Liberal M.P.’s, who all congratulated Mr Wilford on his appointment, and assured him of their loyal support. In thanking his supporters for their congratulations, Mr Wilford said he felt the great responsibility of his position, and, would always do his best in the true interests of New Zealand. The Liberal watchword would be, “Forward.” 'What the Liberal Party had to da in future was to build. The greatest plank in the platform of the Party was a reduction in the high cost of living, around which was wrapped every other thing they could think of. In political life the Liberal Partystood for the moderate men and women of Now Zealand—stood as a strong wall or buttress against extreme Toryism and extreme Labour; and stood for King and country. “The Liberal Party holds out it s hand to moderate Labour,” said Mr Wilford, “and says ‘ Will you grasp it irmly.’ It says! I Wo have stood to you; we are ready to stand to you; will vou stand to usP’ To-night, as Leader of the Party, I hold out my hand to moderate Labour, and say, ‘Como into partnership with the liberal Party, which you have proved worth trusting in years gone by, and see if we cannot, out of the chaos that is existing in this country to-day, lead towards better tilings.’ ” Mr Wilford added that he wished thos" people who believed in constitutional reform against direct action, to realise that they were young New ©rs, who were willing to stand to those who needed assistance.