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Hokitika Guardian, 29 December 1928, Page 4

'l’uKitH is ii good deal of buoyant fooling current throughout the Dominion ■is n result ol tlm. change of Government Apart from tin* general principle of the value of new brooms, it is being realised that as of old a Liberal administration is capable of gotLin<4 things done in a very satisfactory manner. The record of (lie pasL has to ho justified again, and in that task the new team is showing a good deal of optimistic enthusiasm. F Joseph Ward is keen about providing finance for a variety of purposes, which when applied will have a stimulating effect on the immediate fortunes of the country. The settlement of applications long outstanding in respect to udva nccs to settlers and workers. is an achievement worthy of special note at the moment, and must do a great deal to ensure a busy beginning for the new year so soon to open. Also, in respect to unemployment, the Government is adopting temporary measures to assist the situation in the cities, and this will he very helpful, pending the initiation of the road and railway works to begin as soon as possible with the double purpose, of completing arterial connections and also to assist in providing useful work of a national character for the available workers. On top of that there are the proposals affecting the initiation of a live land policy. This will take more time in preparation, hut time is the essence of the contract for the new Minister to justify his selection, and in any ease Mr Forbes is so ardent about a land for settlement policy in force, that he is not likely to loiter by the way. These matters will all he helpful in promoting a more active governmental policy, and there will Ik> works rather than words to display the good intent and purpose of the Ministry. At any moment now, Fir Joseph may take the country into liis confidence regarding the mystery with which he was confronted when entering the Treasury and the steps he is taking to overcome the main check on his general financial proposals His latest pronouncement on the matter was that he had resolved on a certain course and presumably was in communication with London. The holidays may bjo delaying matters, but the optimism of the IViriic Minister is too pronounced to regard the chock as beyond bis ability to surmount it with success. The new Ministers, generally, appear to be comporting themselves with every indication of being the good and strong team of the first impressions, and this will lie really the main factor in giving the country confidence that the Ward Ministry has the ability behind it to carry on successfully, thereby ensuring its sustained stability.