Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) The Oldest Daily Newspaper on the West Coast. FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 1884. THE MINISTRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 222, 15 August 1884, Page 2

Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) The Oldest Daily Newspaper on the West Coast. FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 1884. THE MINISTRY.

It is scarcely worth while pointing out the apparent defects m the constitution of the present Ministry, for the simple reason that we do not for a moment believe it will remain m power for many days. The Post points out that the great objection to the Ministry as now constituted, is that it is almost entirely a Middle Island one. We might almost say a Canterbury one, for three of its members are Canterbury representatives. Mr Ballance is the solitary representative of the North Island who holds a portfolio. We have great faith m Mr Ballance personally, but what is one amongst so many ? The only chance Mr Ballance will have of securing justice for the North Island lies m the fact that Sir Julius Yogel is known to take broad Colonial views, and to be most friendly towards the North Island. Unless hampered by his Canterbury associations, he may yet prove a powerful ally to Mr Ballajj.ce. Sir Georgk Whitmore is a North Island man, certainly, but as he does not hold a portfolio his presence m Wellington will probably be limited to the session. Our contemporary concludes by sayth/»t " although far from satisfied with the Cabinet as it stands, we are not prepare^ to $naHy condemn it unheard. It may be that by the adoption of a liberal, comprehensive

and colonial policy, many of the fears we entertain will be proved groundless, and objections consequently be removed. The new Ministry has a right to be heard, and to have the opportunity of putting its policy fairly before the country before it is judged. We shall be gla^ if it promulgates a policy which we can support." For ourselves, we do not see that it is possible that a Ministry so constituted can command the support of the House or the confidence of the country. We trust to see a coalition Cabinet shortly m power that will put forth a vigorous, progressive, independent policy, the carrying out \ of which will raise the Colony out of the great depression from which it is now making such vigorous efforts to emerge. But let us have a Ministry m which the North Island has something like a fair representation, otherwise the work of the session will be retarded by endless recrimination. We hope to see the prominent leaders of parties meet on a common platform, and unite m putting forth their best efforts for the advancement of the interests of the colony as a whole.