THE Kaipara Advertiser, AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 1912.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 10 April 1912, Page 2

THE Kaipara Advertiser, AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 1912.

IT is only a few months since we took over the reins of the ADVERTISER, and we are pleased to notice the recent and prospective improvements in affairs throughout the district. As in large communities, although perhaps not so noticeable, so in small ones, there are two or more parties, socially and politically, and no doubt it will always be so. Whatever our private feelings may be politically or otherwise, we do not let that interfere with our duty to the general public. We do not propose to be attached to extreme Conservatism, Liberalism, Labourism, Socialism, classism, or any other "ism," We not only, aim, but desire to work to the "best of our ability for the good of all classes of people and for the country we live in. Our columns are open to all to express their views on any subject, religion excepted, provided such communications are put in respectful language and not too extended. What we do object to however, is the use made of the press to run down persons connected with local or other bodies before they have a chance of showing what they are capable of doing. Those we refer to most in this respect is the extreme Conservative press and members of the professed Reform Party who in unreasonable antagonism run down the new Ministry—collectively and individually—without giving them a' chance of showing their Ministerial abilities by allowing them first to meet Parliament and put forward what they consider to be best in the interests of the Colony. After a

session electors will be able to judge of men and measures.

In support of this the Hon. Mr Myers in replying to the greetings of his friends, the other day, speaking for himself and his colleagues, said that every member of the Ministry had entered upon his duties with enthusiasm. He declared that the Cabinet, collectively and individually, is only anxious for an opportunity to give proof of its ability to administer the affairs of the country, and to disprove the allegations of incapacity and unfitness brought against them ; and he suggested that the least the country could do under the circumstances would be to give the new Government a fair chance of proving its worthiness to carry out its high and responsible duties. In conjunction with other contempories we suggest therefore that it is grossly unfair, as well as tactically indiscreet, to assume a doubtful or apologetic tone about the Ministry ; and we appeal to electors of all shades of political opinion to remember that the only guaran- | tees they have , for the alleged weakness and incapacity of Ministers are the gratuitous assertions of the Opposition Press. Our own conviction is that, the Mackenzie Cabinet, if loyally supported will be able to convince Parliament and the people that it is capable of governing the country equally as well as Mr Massey and his fellow " Reformers," Mr Myers is, therefore, surely well within the limits of reason and justice when he asks for himself and his' colleagues a fair chance of proving their worth. "Even with Sir Joseph Ward, abuse was thrown at him wholesale by the Eeform Party and its press. But recently we notice a great change : and many of those who were led away by mistatements, having had time m consider matters coolly, not only acknowledge Sir. Joseph's able statesmanship but regret his and many of his colleagues departure from the Ministry.