Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1919, Page 2

The fact that the polling for some of the Ministerial seats is so close will defer action on the part of the Prime Minister in recasting his Ministry till the final figures from the respective electorates are announced officially. Sir Wm Fraser has retired from the Lower House and has been translated to the Upper House. He holds important portfolios which are held invariably by Ministers in the Lower House. In any case they should be held by younger men. Mr Hine is on the list of the defeated, which is to be regretted on personal grounds, as lie is one of those who went bravely to the front and did his country all possible 'service where he was most needed at •the time. Mr Hine had taken Ministerial office but ‘recently, and he could have been of great- service in regard to repatriation work. Mr Massey has the opportunity now to select also a High Commissioner, and some of his Ministerial colleagues are suggested as possible candidates. Cabinet reconstructions must take place, and in doing so the infusion of new blood should indude also some younger blood. Only recently Mr Massey had to overburden himself with additional portfolios because some of his colleagues were not equal to the tasks involved. In the taisk of reconstruction 'ahead, there will 1 be room for radical reform, and if all the progress required is to come to pass there will be room for radical changes in the Ministry. Mr Massey has quantity fp work upon. He has a numerically strong party, and he would be wise at the outset in selecting a quality Ministry, and thereby make the best possible use of the exceptional opportunity which has come so suddenly to him.

The holidays are about to begin and for the next fortnight or sd* the West Coast will hold its summer carnival The late change in racing dates has afforded this district the opportunity to open the season, rather than heretofore, winding it up. On that account it should be busier and brighter than it has for many years past. The town is wearing a busier aspect than usual to-day, which is some indication of the patronage likely to mark the festive season. The year which is now fast

drawing to a close has been a busy one. Industrially all avenues of employment have been calling for labor. Output has been limited mainly by the restricted labor market. The year that is ahead is one of promise for this immediate neighborhood. Settlement will expand with the steady repatriation of the soldiers; dairying and pastoral pursuits promise to have no difficulty in placing their commodities; timber output wiJI be limited apparently only by Government regulations and restrict ed shipping; while mining promises to

take a leap forward with the advent of a huge American company to operate on the outskirts of the Borough. The holiday period, too, will afford the opportunity for an influx of visitors, on sightseeing bent, for our scenic attractions are in themselves an asset of recurring wealth. Hokitika and district constitute a centre with a solid future ahead and looking hopefully in that direction, there is every reason to expect a bright holiday season, followed by a year of steady advancement. 4?