SPIRIT OF THE PRESS.

Evening Star, Issue 12884, 6 August 1906, Page 4

SPIRIT OF THE PRESS.

THE NEW CABINET. The 'Lyttelton Times' (M.) regards the new Cabinet as an extremely strong combination, and says that Messrs Millar, M'Nab, and Fowlds will bring great additional strength to the Ministry—strength in Just the departments where it is required. The 'Press» (0.) says that most impartial students of New Zealand politics will probably agree that Sir Joseph Ward has arrived at the' best arrangement in a somewhat difficult position. Nothing is to be said on persona] grounds against the new Cabinet. What is of more importance to the public is the policy with which the Ward Ministry are to be identified. The < Auckland Star' (M.) recopnres in the new Cabinet a strong and capable governmg body, and says:—While admitting that there are several other prominent members of Parliament who might reasonably be said to have a claim on Sir Joseph Ward's attention, we do not see how, under the circumstances, the Premier could have done better with the material at hia disposal. &o far as Auckland is concerned, we have reason to congratulate ourselves that onr direct representation in the Ministry is strengthened by the inclusion of so able Fowld 161 " 5^10 * JmbHc man "* Mr Geor 8 e The 'New Zealand Times' (M.), in welcoming the new Ministers and regretting that there were not more changes, concludes :—" The result will be the infusion or added energy without too great a disturbance of continuity. Of the new men, all have political exDerience, unblemished reputation, marked ability, and proindividuality." It declares, re Mr M Nab, that it is an open secret that once ho was invited by Mr Seddon to join his Government, hut the proposed terms were refused. Of Mr Millar, it says he must consolidate Labor that once threatened a*' cave." Of Mr Fowlds, it remarks : '< His inclusion must bo regarded as a distinct accession of strength, by reason of his commanding the votes of the Prohibitionists, Single Taxers, and Freetraders. Ho is sure to further the moderate prudent reticence of tho past by Ministerial responsibility of tho future,

and is likely to give -aluable advice to hw colleagues." Generally speaking, the Times compliments Sir Joseph Ward' on having, done the very best possible thing in a difficnlt and perplexing situation.