The Feilding Star. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1884 The Native Minister

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 72, 27 November 1884, Page 2

The Feilding Star. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1884 The Native Minister

We are pleased to learn from a reliable authority that the Hon. John Ballance (the new Native Minister) made for himself a host of friends and admirers during the recent session of Parliament by his courteous and gentlemanly demeanour and his broad and statesmanlike views on the public questions of the day. There are many persons throughout the Colony, and likewise a large section of the Press, who regretted Mr Ballance's temporary retirement from the House during the last Parliament, and the regret then shown was intensified on Mr Ballance being succeeded by such a political nincompoop as Mr Watt proved to be. Mr Ballance's former position in the House was one of great influence, and when he subsequently became a Minister of the Crown in the Gkey Ministry, there was apparently every reason to predict for him a brilliant career in New Zealand politics. Owing to Sir Geobge Grey's autocratic tendencies, both Mr Stodt (the present Premier) and Mr Ballance retired from the GfiEY Ministry, and were succeeded by those two political fossils Messrs Thompson and Gisbocnb, whose presence on the Treasury Benches partiall^ led to the downfall of the Gcey Government. Notwithstanding the unfortunate contretemps which led to Mr Ballance's retirement from the Grey Ministry (a true history of which has yet to be written) during his term of office as Colonial Treasurer he proved himself to be possessed of ability of a high order, admirable tact, and singularly persuasive powers. His financial statement in 1879 was a masterly effort, and won for him "golden opinions from all sorts of people," and a section of the Press which included some of the most influential journals in this and other Colonies. During his absence from active politics he has lost none of his wonted power, and although his talents are now applied to the more difficult task of administering Native affairs, yet we are positive that he will exhibit far more courage, tact, and (last but most important quality) common sense than even his- predecessors. The effect of his beneficial sway over the Natives is already being felt. It is no small credit to Mr Ballance that he has secured the friendship of two such redoubtable warriors as Major Eopata and Major Kemp, and the esteem of an influential Chief like Wahanui. The same natural gift which has enabled him to exert such a beneficial influence on the minds of such men will alwayssecure to him the esteem of his friend:and the respect of his most bitter political enemies.