The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1929. THE GOVERNMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1929. THE GOVERNMENT.

In the course of the proceedings at Dunedin on Monday evening, when Sir Joseph Ward was entertained at a very notable gathering by admirers, the gentleman who proposed the toast of “The Cabinet,” said it was not surprising that such a fine body of men had been brought together when it was remembered that it had been set up bv Sir Joseph Ward, a statesman whose open-hearted and unwavering loyally and high purpose had been demonstrated in the past as unmistakaby as had his ability, skill and genius. They lmd expected no less

from so groat a leader. The Hon T. K. Sidey and lion it. A. Hansom, replied on behalf of their distinguished leader, and Lmtli tributed Sir Joseph Ward very highly. Mr Sidey, in expressing Ins appreciation of the leadership of Sir Joseph Ward felt he must say that never before m New Zealand politics had there been so great u personal triumph as the Prime Minister's return u> power. No one count have loreseen it a lew years ago. Anyone wbu suggested it would have neon cunsidcreu insane:’ it was practically the same before the last election. in tlid light of- sii ! , sequent events it was amusing.to dwe.l upon die utterances of responsible . journals at that time. The long parliamentary and Cabinet experiences of their .eaiL-r w..s invaiimiiie t to the present Cahinct only two members of which, oesides the Prime Minister, had had previous experience in Parliament, .then they considered that fact they..ould realise the value of Sir Joseph Ward's long experience. His colleagues were all keen on thir jobs, and no felt that the country was quite willing that they should be given an opportunity to do their best. It was true that some of them had exhibited a tendency to talk too 1 much, Mr Sidey naively added, but that was a fault that would cure itself. Mr Ransom who is one of the most responsible of the Cabinet, and practically the first lieutenant of the Prime Minister, referred to the general feeling in the country with regard to the present Government. He had found that the people had no lack of faith in Sir Joseph Ward, and they were anxious chat he should again take control of affairs in the country. They all knew those wonderful legislative enactments that were placed on the Statute Rook when he was last in power. They had all been due to his foresight, guidance and wisdom. The Reform Government had paid a tribute to them when it allowed them to remain without repealing a single one of- them. Rather they had sought further to liberalise the policy of the country by endeavouring to follow the lead that had been given to them. He could assure them all that the country knew wiiat Sir Joseph Ward had done in the past, and was, as a result, more than eager to see him given another opportunity to demonstrate his powers of leadership- and statesmanship. There was a great deal for the Cabinet to do. and there were problems ahead as far as finance was concerned. Those who controlled the money bags of the country could not afford to lose sight of the responsibility vested in them by the people, and be could assure bis hearers that Sir Joseph Ward was fully aware of the magnitude of that responsibility. The sneaker referred to the work that had been accomplished by the present Government in a verv short space of time in regard to the S'ate Advances Department. Under tlm pro >°"s readme there had never lmen • sufficient money for the important, things in tho country. Credit on rural securities was difficult In obtain, and settlers could not get their applications for

money granted. A,s so n is Sir Josops had taken charge money had been forthcoming for all purp scs. The funds of the State Advances Department had been brought up to date. With Sir Joseph Ward in charge the j,C‘ pie would soon learn li iw fine an enactment the State Advances Act had i,eon lor tlie wor.dng man and the person who was Si.rugg.ing l» get a looting on the land. 'lll..re won cl be money fortius.tiling and the finances of tile country would bo diverted into tiledr r.giit channels. As far as the pauy was concerned it was de.cr.nined to ,/tit into practice all those principles ior which ii sto d and which it is believed were in the interests of the .otintry. Bui lie w u!d l.ke to repeat what Sir Joseph Wtii'd had said on a previous occasion that party in.erests ..el e and always wmild be secondary to the interests of Lite country. Though die Cabinet niigni include many nun no had no pro. ions experience lie was .oiiY'i’iUced that- the members of the ministry were .sufficiently conversant with tne problems fa.mg the country to carry oil to good elfoct. There is no doubt that Sir J..seph is the tower of .strength to the Government, ami t!ial under bis guidance the precut Cabinet, will lie a lowed to pint us principles into practice for the benefit. of the Dominion as a whole.