THE NEW MINISTERS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 406, 15 January 1909, Page 9

THE NEW MINISTERS.

; Sir,—Whoever may havo reason to be .dis-satisfied'with"-the constitution of the Cabi-. net, it can hardly be Mr: Massey, if wo're-, gard : him '.solely as Leader :of the Opposi-, iioh.p'.iv''' ■• .'.''■ - ■ : - : .-'/-. ■Mr. Ngata is a man whose ability,.attainments*;'and character, aro unexceptionable. Remains the stern uncompromising fact; however, that he was not elected, by.a European oonstituenoy. The Premier admits-• that Europeans returned him suck a lot of wastrels that he-had to-ask the Maoris'.to send; him : somo one.fit to'hold office. With every re-, spect for Mr. Ngata, his appointment seeniß to.me.to be perfectly.monstrous.- : ■ : Mr. vßuddo "having been'identified' with farming and Sir Joseph at once decided that he-is unfit to -hold those.portfolios. ■' ;"■ -.;■■ Wheri.Mr. Hogg last session remarked that labour questions interested everyone/for pr'acitioally every man was either, an employer or anjemployee,'a callous brute on the Opposition 'benches coarsely inquired, " Which, are you?";, and a baleful glare was. Mr. Hogg'B only reply. What Mr.. Tregear has'been. in the Department;' Mr... Hogg, has been in .the House.;. Last session, it may be. remembered, employers'.associations united in advising the .Opposition' to efface itself, and merge its identity in that.'.; of -the Government.; Mr. Massey, to his credit bo it said,. spent some' time smiting -his palm: with .his fist, _ and explaining/! with, painful fidelity to detail, the various processes to which ho would submit before he accepted any"such suggestion. • And now the Premier appoints Mr.' Hogg- as Minister for' Labour .: Capital! Andhe'adds the portfolio of, Customs.. Excellent! With, the mining difficulty to be dealt with, and a' butchers' strike threatened/ the [various concerned, would find perusal of Mr. Hogg's speeches on companies interesting, if'not sustaining. \. No, I. don't think Mr. Massey can complain that; Sir Joseph has in any way weakened the Opposition.—l am,'etc., ' January 9. ; INTERESTED.