RHODESIA'S NEW STATUS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18567, 27 November 1923, Page 4

RHODESIA'S NEW STATUS.

FIRST MINISTRY FQRMED. CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE [FROM OUR own correspondent.] CAPETOWN. Oct. 5. Rhodesia embarked upon her career of self-government this week. She began with many good wishes from the King and the Union of South Africa, but it is only fair to state frankly that this is about all that the new colony had to , begin its career of self-government. A Ministry has been formed, confining all leaders of the self-government party that successfully fought the party thai, advocated union with South Africa at the recent referendum. "To the victors, the spoils," said Sir Charles Coghlan, leader of the self-government party after the victory, and this policy has been followed out in the constitution of the new Ministry. It is composed as follows Prime Minister and Minister for Native Affairs, Sir Charles Coghlan; Colonial Secretary, Sir Francis Newton; Teasurer, Mr. P. D. L. Fynn; Attorney-General, Mr. R. J. Hudson; Minister for Mines and Public Works, Mr. H. U. Moffatt; Minister for Agriculture, Mr. iW. M. Leggate. All i these men have been connected with Rhodesia as traders, farmers, and officials under the old Chartered Company days. They began their task of governing a new colony with a good dead of the optimism that "seems engendered at an altitude of 7000 ft. near the equator. It would be a mistake to suppose that the outlook in Rhodesia is all roseate. Like all other countries it has suffered from post-war depression, and cattle ranching in particular has long been under a cloud which shows no sign of lifting. But the other main branches of farming are not unprosperous, and the mining industry, always hitherto the backbone of j the country, has recently taken a new j leas.: of life. Too much importance must not be attached to the new discoveries of ! gold since experience shows that most of these disappoint expectations; but an encouraging feature is that most of the established mines are improving at depth and can be expected to support the revenue for some years to come, while even a moderate revival of trade would bring into the market a considerable volume of base minerals, such as chrome, asbestos, and mica. Unless the unexpected happens the new Government should not be hampered, at least at the outset, by serious financial difficulties, although additional taxation, which the country can well afford, will be required to meet the interest on the unproductive portion of the debt and upon such further sums, possibly £500,000, as may be raised for development. The Government can count upon the sympathy and co-operation of the Union of South Africa in all matters thcr« are many—affecting South Africa as a whole. In return confidence is felt that under the guidance of Sir Charles Coghlan. Rhodesia's attitude toward the Union will be perfectly friendly and correct. In the heat of battle unhappy things were said, and not on one side only. They are of the past, and may now be consigned to oblivion in both countries. _ - The spirit in which Rhodesia is entering upon her new duties can be gauged from the message that the Premier, Sir Charles' Coghlan, addressed to the colony last Tuesday:" The people of Rhodesia have their future in their own hands. They have determined upon their own form of ■ Government, and to-day witnesses the inauguration of their Government. They have at long last come into their own. : Those who advised the'm— peopleon the course of action which has resulted in the estaiishrnent of free institutions in this colony have now the responsibility for carrying that Government into effect. ft is for them to make or mar the future which, I personally believe, is bright with promise. "In these circumstance I" sincerely trust , that the affairs of this country will be i conducted in the spirit which animated our great founder, and which he would wish to sec inspiring all Rhodesians. I . do not minimise the task which lies aead of us, but I helcve that if all Rhodesians will work whole-heartedly for the common iiood of their country and make that their definite aim, we shall, in the words of the Governor this morning, be a worthy member of the British Emoire. " As for me and my colleagues, I can only say what I have so repeatedly said in the past, that it is a privilege to work for the country, and I shall do my best to achieve that success which is the country's due." The Premier, Sir Charles Coghlan, is well-known as a politician, and has won a considerable reputation at the Bar. He is the stromr man and the leader of the people in Rhodesia. It is principally owing to his efforts-that the colony of Rhodesia has been established as a self governing unit of the Empire. He has a difficult task before him, but has »vercome great obstacles in the past and baa the entire confidence of the country. He will no doubt be quite equal to the Administration'of this territory.