The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1883. The New Minister.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1002, 17 November 1883, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1883. The New Minister.

Whether it is that Englishmen are fonder of eating and drinking in company than other people are we know not, but it is a fact that they seize upon the smallest event as an excuse for a banquet. The custom of meeting together in this way and after faring sumptuously indulging in gushing speeches of mutual admiration is harmless enough, especially when we consider that post-prandial utterances have remarkably little weight. We learn by telegraph that the new Minister of Public Works, Mr Mitchelson, was last night entertained at a banquet, and no doubt he was gratified for the moment by the many kind things said about him. At any rate he deserves some consolation for the severe criticisms that have been passed upon his appointment to the portfolio he holds by every journal outside of Auckland, and if he finds that consolation in the good opinion of Mr Dargavxlle few people will grudge it him. The Press Association have only given us the baldest resum'e of what the member for Auckland City West said at the dinner, but the colony will no doubt be glad to know that that notorious representative and the Premier are not the worse friends in spite of what is called the “little difficulty” between the two gentlemen last session. It would be interesting to know what Major Atkinson’s sentiments are on this point, for if it takes two to start a quarrel it surely takes a similar number to make it up. As the poet says,

From wine what sudden friendship springs; and Jwe have bur doubts as to whether the Premier will appreciate a sudden protestation of goodwill given under such circumstances. But .after all, Mr Dargaville was not the guest of the evening, and what he said was consequently of secondary importance. It was the new Minister whom the banquetters had come to listen to, and as he did not deliver himself at any great length, we may as well give his speech in full. He said :—“ I am glad to see so many personal friends and faces around me of those who have known me in the district for long years past. I am proud to represent this district in Parliament, and of the short time that I have been there, and of being the youngest member in the House, and of having such a responsibility placed upon my shoulders. I hops I may long have the honor to represent this district; but you must remember that I now occupy a position that entitles the whole colony to look to me, and therefore I must work for the colony as a whole. But while working for the colony I shall not forget my constituents. In my capacity as Minister of Public Works I shall do my duty to the colony without distinction. I hope that this district may succeed, and my efforts shall be used to make it the most prosperous district of the North Island, and I hope it will not be my fault if I fail to please you in every way.” This speech was brief enough, as was to be expected from one whose chief merit appears to be his silence, but he managed within these few words to show a good reason against his occupying his present position. The mere fact of his being the youngest member in the House is proof that he lacks the experience requisite for a Minister of Public Works, and although no doubt be feels proud of having such a responsibility placed upon him, it is the colony which will suffer from this. There is probably no reason to question Mr Mitchelson’s desire to be impartial, but unless he possesses sufficient knowledge of the work he will have to do, it is to be feared that he will simply be a tool in the hands of the Auckland members. When we first heard of his appointment we discerned signs of breakers ahead, and this short speech of the new Minister does not have the effect of altering our opinion. Mr Dargaville spoke of the member for Marsden as one of the most popular representatives in the House, but as to how this popularity has been gained the colony is left in ignorance. If it arises from his being all things to all men—and this is in nine cases out of ten the cause of popularity—then this is another reason why he should not hold a post where firmness and decision are most urgently needed.