The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1908. HOME AGAIN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2105, 3 February 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1908. HOME AGAIN.

The Dominion as a whole will join in the cordial welcome that has been accorded in Wellington to the Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones on his return from a holiday trip to the Old Country, and there will be general satisfaction that his health has so far recovered as to permit him to again take up his former duties as Minister of Railways and of Public Works. The public career of Mr. Hall-Joues has provided one of those rare instances that sometimes occur in which the occasion makes tlio man. As an appointee and subordinate of tho late Mr. Seddou, for years his political ability suffered by comparison with the masterly personality of his great chief, and similarly his useful and conscientious work in the conduct of his departmental duties was dwarfed, ■while the head of the Government almost monopolised public attention. Tho death of the late Premier, however, during iSir Joseph AYard’s absence in England, left Mr. HallJoues with tho responsibilities of the State solely upon his own shoulders, and the manner in which lie fulfilled tho arduous trust created a profound impression in the country. As Minister of Railways, one of the most noticeable features of his policy was, that ho ceased from the bad old habit so popular with his predecessors, of making promises all over the country that were never meant for fulfilment. Deputations were frankly told that their requests could not bo granted under existing circumstances, and tho sound policy of centreing attention on the North Island main trunk lino was inaugurated. Apart from these facts there is no question but that the ill-health which rendered it necessary for Mr. HallJoncs to take a trip abroad was wholly and solely brought about by overwork, consequent upon his devotion to his public duties. Under the circumstances, we can heartily congratulate him upon his convalescence, and trust that renewed health will permit his services to be available for many years to come.