"OLD PACK OF CARDS"

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 123, 25 May 1926, Page 8

"OLD PACK OF CARDS"

f REFORM PAPER SURPRISED.

the Christchurch "Sun" (Beform) fays that Mr. Coates's re-shuffle of portfolios, after deep and silent contemplation of his task, occasions much surprise. "Again," says the "Sun," «'Mr. Coates has confounded the prophets and increased his reputation for inscrutability." „ ""It is, however, little more than the ©Id pack of cards over again, with the inclusion of the 'joker.' Only ono newappointment to the Ministry has been made, though another later on is promised — a strong man presumably to take over the Prime Minister's portfolio of Public Works. So once more the numerous aspirants for Ministerial honour are thrust on the rack of.yearning and into the hope that is nearest to despair. "THE WRONG ME. WRIGHT." •'Mr. B. A. Wright, the member for Wellington Suburbs, has been appointed Minister of Education. It cannot be pretended that his preferment will improve the standard of Ministerial mediocrity. Many people with an intimate knowledge of Parliamentary affairs will be inclined to recall the title of a comedy—'The Wrong Mr. Wright.' Indubitably, the new Minister will give tongue to the Government's policy. He is a keen and rugged debater, never less than aggressive, frequently provocative, and always strident. On many questions, however, hia outlook is narrow, and he is lacking iii suavity and personality. He will prove, however, to be a prodigious worker. "Even the reconstruction'-or the Ministry is not yet final. The excellent appointment of the Hon. Sir Hoaton Ehades as Leader of the Legislative Council is but temporary.' He will keep the "nest warm against the return of Sir Francis Bell, who apparently is. essential as an adviser to the Govern* ment, and is to the Reform Party what ivy is to an old castle. After remarking that Mr. Eolleston las merited rapid promotion, that Mr. Downie • Stewart, whose health still compels him to undertake service m keeping with his intellectual ability, ■will insist on prudent finance, that an agreeable position has been found for Mr. Nosworthy as Postmaster-General and Minister of External AfEairo, and that Mr. M'Leod, as Minister of Industries and Commerce, may be able to e ive more vitality to an anaonue department, the "Sun." concludes: As 'a. whole, the latest reconstruction.of the Keform Ministry does not" promise any ereat reform o:f administrative methods. ft is the old butter at the old price. If anything, the South Island again has teen penalised in favour of the North Island."