AIR O. HAWKEN’S APPOINTMENT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 19 January 1926, Page 6

AIR O. HAWKEN’S APPOINTMENT.

We are certain that, general satisfaction will be felt at. the news, that Mr O. Hawken, ALP., had 'been called to the Cabinet to take up the duties of ATinister of Agriculture and State Forestry. Before he went to the House as member for Egmont, Air ITawken had made his mark as a public speaker, not for his oratory or his eloquence, but for the fact that when he spoke he had always something worth talking about and a quiet, forcible way of expression. He had not long been a member of Parliament before lie made his influence felt and gave a forecast of the estimation in which he was soon to be held by the members, firstly, of bis. own party, and 1 also by the whole of the House. His appointment to several important committees, and later to the B.A.W.R.A. Board, the 'Council of Agriculture, and more recently to the Aleat Control and Dairy Control Boards, showed the high regard in which he was held because of his ability and his extensive knowledge of the farming industry. Generally speaking, he was looked upon as a coming man, and one that was well on the way to promotion in the ranks of his party. There is probably in agricultural matters more scope for originality and for furthering efforts in the fascinating field of research, so essential to the farming industry on which the Dominion depends, than in any other, of the great branches of State activity. Air Hawken lias shown himself an earnest and constant advocate and supporter of every movement foi the good of the industry, and lie will now have the opportunity to put into effect his ideas for its development. We feel confident that he will prove fully equal to the responsibility of the high position to which he has been called, and' that he will worthily uphold the. traditions set by the men. who in the past have held the portfolio of Agriculture.