THE NEW MINISTER

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 45, 16 November 1917, Page 4

THE NEW MINISTER

It says much for the hold which tho Party System has on tho con-, duct of our public life that even with the country fighting for its national existence and a National non-party Government in office, party considerations continuo to be tho deciding factor in tho selection of those who are called to lead the nation. Dr. H'Nab, a member of tho Liberal Party, died somo nino months ago, and the work of Government has proceeded well enough since without filling tho vacant office. _ But_ because of party considerations it was deemed necessary to fill tho gap, and Me. T. M. Wilford, member for Hutt, has been chosen by his party loader, Sir Joseph Ward to take Cabinet rank. It is not suggested that the member for Hutt is tho most able, or tho best equipped, member tocall to tho position at tho present critical time. It is not even claimed that ho is the selection most agreeable to his own party, though it of course may bo that this is the case. Sir Joseph Ward has stated in his published announcement of tho appointment that it was necessary on this occasion that tho Minister chosen should come from the North Island, no doubt on account of tho fact that tho Liberal Party already has three South Island members in tho National Cabinet and only two North Island members. So wo have it that even under tho unexampled conditions of to-day, in the greatest struggle of our history or the worlds history, the_ party system dominates our affairs, and our leaders may be chosen for their party services or becauso of their place of residence. Mr. Wilford's addition to tho Cabinet will strengthen it in two respects. Ho is an excellent platform speaker and a staunch advocate of New Zealand prosecuting her share in the war to tho utmost of her ability. It is to the credit of tho member for Hutt that from the outset of hostilities he has consistently and staunchly sought to influence and strengthen public opinion on this vital issue. In his Ministerial office it may bo_ expected that he will not fail in this respect at least.