THE MINISTRY.

Waipukurau Press, Volume I, 10 August 1906, Page 2

THE MINISTRY.

The Press of the Colony is almost unanimous that the selection by Sir Joseph Ward of his Ministers is a wise one. Ever since reconstruction has been talked about, however, the names of Messrs Millar, McNab, and.Fowlds have been more prominently before the public than any others, and Sir Joseph, being a smart and clever man, has not been slow to observe the barometer of public opinion. t Like other leaders of thought in the colony, he recognised that he has to follow a very strong man, and that his life as Premier depended upon the alteration of the Cabinet. Messrs Duncan and Mills

have acted in a wise and laudable manner in placing themselves unreservedly in the hands of tho Premier, and their gracious act should be gratefully remembered by the Liberal party. Public opinion has long since singled these gentleman out as “ rejects.” aud they have taken the hint and saved themseLes. With regard to those selected the Hon J. A. Millar stands highest in public esteem, and it is safe to say the portfolios assigned to him, that of Labour, Customs and Marine, will receive able attention at his hands. Mr Millar’s career has been a signal success. Brought into political being as the seamen’s representative during the great.maritime strike, some twelve or thirteen years ago, he has avoided the shoals upon which so many labour members have founded, and last election was returned by a large majority for Dunedin Central. Mr Millar has a good career before him.

Mia. McNab, the member for Mataura, the new Minister for Lands, and Agriculture, is a member of the legal profession, and his elevation has been fairly well received. It has been stated in some quarters that bis views upon the land question are not very pronounced, but whatever the opinions of the new Minister may be, it is safe to say that the main planks of the late Ministry’s policy will have to be maintained —a point agreed upon by the united Press of the Colony.

In some quarters objection has been taken to the inclusion of Mr G. Fowlds, member for Grey Lynn, in the Ministry, on account of his single-tax and prohibitionist views, but Mr Fowlds is a man of sterling ability and great business capacity. It is safe to say that his single-tax views cannot possibly affect the Ministry, being alone on that question, while his prohibitionist tendencies will not interfere with public opinion on this question.

Sir Joseph Ward is associated with as fine a Ministry as could be selected from the Ministerial ranks at the moment, and whatever discontent exists amongst the disappointed ones, the practically unanimous verdict of approval of the country will keep iu check any simmering feeling of discontent. The country needs a rest from political strife, and a short session is most desirable, and with a strong Ministry a temporary respite could be granted.