THE NEW PREMIER.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1925, Page 2

THE NEW PREMIER.

AI'GKI.AXI) OPINIONS. AUCKLAND. May 28. Of the Prime .Minister, the “Star" says editorially: “One side ol the new Prime .Minister’* equipment is plain to see. He is a man ol -action rather than a 'man of thought. His bent is practical. He is interested in getting concrete things done. Problems of public works and railways appealed to hint. Both hi- common sense and the very weakness of his interest in party politic* impelled him to work towards tin l elimination ol the political factor in policy and administration, lie had the courage to propose reform* and the determination to push them. Physically vigorous. strong in character, and reallx interested in practical problem* lie has as head of these two Delta I t nielli *. done a great deal lor tin- Dominion. But more than departmental reforming zeal and admini*t rai ive ability is required in a Prime Minister, and Mr (taates has yet to shew that he has tluse other leqti i*tie*. As a politician he has to prove himself. Mr S-edd-io after Air Ballaiiee’s death. Mir Joseph Ward when Mr Seddon died. Mr Massey after the Liberal defeat in 1912 these men in their political views and capabilities were much clearer in outline titan is Air Coates. General polities have not iutere*ted hint. IF- iin.s never liven a "irotig party mao like Mr Massey. He i* not reflective, hut. unlike Mr Massey, he has not shown any marked aptitude for party management or parliamentary leadership. He has not shone in the House, and it is doubtful if ho has the parliamentary mind.’’ The “Herald” says;—“Though the announcement brings no surprise with it tin 1 event is lull of interest, arising from other considerations beside the personality of the new leader. The north country, where tlie history of New Zealand began. contributes a Prime Minister, When Sir Francis Bell took (illlee ‘temporarily he was congratulted as being the first horn New Zealander to hold it. He is succeed by another man who is a New Zealander in even fuller degree, horn of the soil, reared far from town life, educated and trained in surroundings as typical of the country as any could he. Mr Coates came from a district- ilescrihable not so long ago as hack blocks in every sense of the words to the highest olliee open to citizens of this land. He won hi.s way to the position after a remarkably brief period of apprenticeship.”