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Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1926, Page 2

The reformed Ministry is announced at last, and the news is not likely to he : harmfully disturbing. Two good Reform members and one Reform member 1 who was inclined to stray out of the political fold at times, constitute the additions to the Ministry. Mr Rolleston is likely to he the most useful as probably the most radical of the now Ministers. Neither Mr Hawkon nor Air Young possess outstanding political merit marking them out as well fitted for ministerial rank. Length of service, and a loyalty which seemed to assert that devotion of service when opportunity offered, seems to have marked the career of Mr Young. Mr llawken ha* not had the same length of service, hut his loyalty was more docile and reliable. On the whole it does not appear that the Government is greatly strengthened by the changes announced. The Prime Alinister has dropped the idea of a “ national " Ministry. which in the circumstances of his personal victory is not surprising. But other changes are promised. The departmental alterations as affecting the work of the Prime Minister means that what was before done sub rosa will now be more openly performed bv a representative of accumulated knowledge. Mr F. D. Thomson, who began his secretarial career with the Into -Mr Scddon. has climbed to the top ol the tree, and in doing so has a varied experience which must have given him much stored up knowledge. In the new department of which he is to be the head, his experience in handling Imperial matters will he of special value, and as he made several visits to England with the past Prime Alinister he will he familiar with the Departments at Home which do official business with Now Zealand. His is a wise appointment and as far as it goes will he very helpful to the Dominion. The Government of New Zealand for tho future should he greatly strengthened by the new policy, which means a degree of continuity in Imperial affairs not possible hitherto. Apart from this aspect of the changes, the resliuflling of portfolios do not promise much. Air Contes is about to give- up Public Works, which is greatly to he regretted. Air -McLeod is to have the portfolio. The best appreciation of Air Coates as .Minister for Public Works came from the Engineer-in-Cliief who realised when the Premiership fell to Mr Coates the Public Works portfolio must go. The tribute on that occasion from Air Furkott was whole-hearted and sincere, and brought realisation of the position. Altogether the Cabinet changes do not indicate a national accession of Alimstcrial strength such as is needed really at Ibis juncture.