CABINET COMPLETED

Evening Star, Issue 19274, 12 June 1926, Page 10

CABINET COMPLETED

NEW PUBLIC WORKS MINISTER MB K. S. WILLIAMS APPOINTED ’ [Per Umtjcd Press Association'.] WELLINGTON, Juno 11. The following statement has been issued by tho Prime Minister (ibo Right Hon. J. G. Coates): — In tho course of my statement Bomo weeks ago regarding Ministerial appointments and changes in portfolios 1 stated that, with a view to lessening the load 1 was carrying, itwas ray intention at an early date to relinquish tho portfolio of Public Works, which 1 have held for sonic real's. I have accordingly tendered His Excellency ray resignation of thin position, and Mr K. S. Williams, Bjember for the Bay of Plenty, will bo appointed to the vacant portfolio. Mr Williams will bo sworn in as a member of the Executive Council immediately, and will assume the duties of his office at once. I foci confident that Mr K. S. Williams, as a practical farmer, with a lifelong experience and knowledge of tho requirements of our country districts, and what one may term llio “ backblocks ” settlor, will render good and efficient service. He possesses also a long experience of local government, and has always shown practical sympathy with the pioneer and the wage-earner. I know that tho men employed in tho Public TVorks Department will have in their new Minister an interested and largehearted “boss.” The appointment of Mr Williams brings the Cabinet now up to its full working strength. J should like to repeat that where there are so many eligible members of the party which I have the honor to lead I have found tho task of making the selection of now Ministers no easy one. I know it is impossible in these matters to give universal satisfaction, but I have endeavored to pick a team that will, I believe, give of their best in tho service of the dominion. HEW MINISTER’S CAREER Mr Williams has had life-long experience in sheep farming. He is a son of the late Mr J. W. Williams, member for Mongonui and the Bay ol Islands from 1873 to 1879. He was educated at Christ’s College, Christchurch, and was captain of tho college Rugby team. Since leaving college he has been engaged in sheep farming in tho Bay of Plenty. He has always taken a keen interest in local government matters, and was chairman of tho Waiapu County Council until elected member for the Bay of Plenty on the death of the Son. W. D. S. Macdonald in 1920. He was re-elected unopposed at the General Election in 1922, and again at the General Election in 1925. Mr Williams was one of the promoters of the freezing industry in the Bay of Plenty.