THE COMING MINISTER

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2240, 30 September 1889, Page 2

THE COMING MINISTER

The Wellington "J-venlng Poat" says:— It would certainly bo a good thing for the ooantry 'f OapUln Russell did acoept iffiop. The present Ministry Is almost absolutely cafe, unless from Internal causes, for the next twelve months, and aa lt cnnnot be got rid of, the publio interest oertalnly demands that lt should be rendered as strong, efficient, and honest as m»y be possible while it holds iha reins. Oaptaln RubboU Is, undeniably, an honest politician ; he commands the respeat and confidence of both sides of the House, and he Is possessed of an amount of ability and independence of oharaoter which would afford a guarantee against his ever degenerating into a tool or a dummy. If he were In tha Ministry his colleagues wou'd, one and all, be compelled to run straight, for he would never lend himself to any unworthy intrigues or actions. Wh le he remained fn iffioa the Oolony would rest assured tbat its Government waa being cond acted honestly and above board.

Ihe "N.Z. Times" writes :-It has come to ub from Napier that Captain liuasell his been offered the portfolio of Oolonial Secretary and haa accepted It. We do not give this on authority, for the Ministry are exceedingly reticent on the point, but we have very little doubt tbe report will receive ample confirmation by-and-bye, No better appointment oould ba made In our opinion. Captain Russell lj both able and popular, and would be a veritable tower of strength to the Ministry. It is quite a mistake to suppose ha Is of the Tory olass. Io his own d'atrlot ho la tbe baad and front of all popular movements, Is a very useful and onaelfish pabl>c man, and stands high In the estimation of his constituents. It Is time the Ministerial ranks were reorutted, and Indeed there Is work enough for more than an Inorease by one We Bhould like to see another appointment made to relieve the very much over-worked Premier. Another really strong man bealde Oaptaln Russell would not only oarry the Ministry right through the ourrent Parliament, but would be of dlreot benefit to the oolony. Tbe Premier haa been cruelly shaken by tbe strain ot lata administrative efforts. He Is the most useful pnbllo man the colony han, and It Is but right that he should be taken oare of.