THE WARD MINISTRY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13665, 7 August 1906, Page 5

THE WARD MINISTRY.

THE MINISTERS SWORN IN. ALLOTMENT OF PORTFOLIOS. INTERVIEWS AND J'R-ESS OPINIONS. (From Our Own* Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, August 0. The new Ministry was sworn in at Government House this afternoon, the members of it being as predicted. The allotment of the portfolios, which is as follows, is, however, not quito what the prophets predicted: — Hon, Sir J. G. WARD, Prime Minister, Colonial Treasurer, Postmaster-general, Commissioner of Telegraphs, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Minister in cliargo of the International Exhibition. Hon. W. HALL-JONES, Minister of Railways and Minister of Public Works. Hon. J. CARROLL, Native Minister, Commissioner of Stamps and Deeds. Hon. J. ■ JI'OOWAN, Minister of Justice, Minister of Mines, Minister of ImmigraI ion. Hon. A. PITT, Attorney-general, Colonial Sccrctnry, and Minister of Defence. Hon. J. A. MILLAR, Commissioner of Customs, Minister of Labour, Minister of Marine. Hon. R. M'NAB, Minister of Lands, Minister of Agriculture. Hon. G. FOWLDS, Minister of Education and Minister of Public Health. Sir ,T. G. Ward, it will bo seen, lias a pretty big burden to carry, and no doubt ho would have been glad if eomeonc else had taken the portfolio of Industries and Commerce from him, but I understand none of tho other Ministers woro particularly anxious to undertake tho work. The reason for Mr Carroll not retaining tho Colonial Secretaryship is -probably because ho has not been in the best of health lately, and also to enable him to devote practically the whole of his timo to tho Native Department, in which there is much room for improvement.

. It is generally conceded that Mr Millar will make a satisfactory Minister of Customs.

As Dcfonco Minister, the Hon. A. Pitt has already earned ihe encomiums of leading men in the department, who have found him a much more satisfactory Minister of Defence than his predecessor. Mr M'Nab is left free to deal villi lands and agriculture. Of both these subjects he has made a special study, and considerable improvement in tho administration, especially of the Agricultural Department, may confidently bo looked for.

The placing of the Education Department under tho control of Mr Fowlds is an astute move on Sir Joseph Ward's part, and will go a long way towards silencing the criticisms of the anti-Catholics.

The new Ministers are already in In swearing in Ihe Ministry as members of tho Executive Council Ihe Clerk of Ihe Council first administered the following oath of allegiance:—"l, Joseph Gcoree Ward, do swear (lint I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to his Mnjeefy King Edward, his heirs and succcs c ors areonlinsr lo law. So help me, God." 'here is a special oath necessary before taking a seat on the Kvcenlive. tho following being thc test of it:-"I, , beini* chosen and admitted of the fivccntivc Council in New Zealand, do swear that I will, to the best of my judgment, at all times when thereto required. , fref.y give my counsel nn d ar lvicn to the Governor, T.ieiiten-uil.o-overnor, or officr administering Ihe government of New Zealand for the time being, for the good management of the affairs of New Zealand. That T will not directly, nor indir-etlv vevenl <;iph matters as shall he debated in Council and committed lo my secrecy, but that I will in nil thimrs be a, true and faithful councillor. So help me, God."

AT,r,n(\\TTn\- m? tttcp.\T!TVR\TS (Per U.vrrr.n Press Ass'icHTrnj;.) WKU.IXGTOX. August 6. 10 allocation of departments to he eonIro led bv Minivers, in addition to (hose embraced by their portfolios, has fc«en lundo as follows: —

Sir .T. (I. "Ward: Old-a/je Pensions, Tarn! and Income Tax. Advances to Rrtller< lublic Trust, Tourist and Health Imports. Hon. W. Hall-Jones: Roads and Government Printing Office. Hoi;.. A. Pitt: Life, Accident, and Fire Insurance. Hon. J. A. Millar: Inspection of Machinery. "on. It, M'Nab: Lands Purchase under the -Lands for Settlements Act, Forestry and Valuation. Hon. .T. M'finwau. Cook Tslands. Hon G. Fowlds: Hospitals and charitable aid and allied institutions. THE premier interviewed.

Interviewed to-night by a New Zealand I mies representative. Sir .Tosepl, Ward said:- I have endeavoured to give the c|>:ony a strong Ministry. I folt that in tile interests of the countn- this was dosirable. • If the Ministry is viewed indiidiially and col ectively I think it will bo seen that what has been done gives eff-™t [o my intention. Some suggestions liavt, b«n made about the views entertained bv different scctiom of the Ministry, but. it must be remembered that upon'nuest ions nt policy the majority of members of a . inistry decide, i have no sympathy with eltorts to underrate any one member of a Ministry 011 account of his views on particular questions. All (he Ministers are men of common sense, practicaj knowledge, good judgment, a-nd sterling ability, " i eel confident that our united efforts will |-e found to he exerei=ed in advancing the interests of all sections of the community. I would like to say I am much indebted frtends and old colleagues, Messrs Mills and Duncan, for tho assistance tlicv ba-ve given me. They have acted in a wa'v i will never forget, and were most considerate. As to the future, there is little , ean say just now. The session will not o a piolonged one for several reasons. !>"o is that, tho International Exhibition is to be opened on November 1. I hope to bo able to bring down the Financial statement during the first week of the session. Tlio matter of the appointment of a. Alinistor of the Maori race to the Ministry has been held over. Nothing wilt bc i done at present, as I want time to inquire into tile position before deciding what, to do. No one nas' a. place in tlio Ministry without a portfolio. Tho statement has been made that. I have been tologranhmg all over the colonv mati.w inquiries about the feeling towards Minis" lers. 1 nis is not so: I have done what I tielieve to bo the best in the country's interests."

Mil MASBEY INTERVIEWED, (Pkr United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, August 6. Mr W. F. Ma«sey, leader of tho Opposition, was seen bv a representative of the Hornlii, and askot! fo state his views regarding the personnel of tho now Ministry. In referring individuals to the now member* of tho Cabinet, Mr Massey said:-" 80 far as Mr Millar is concorncd, I may say that it is generally recognised that lie is undoubtedly a strong man. Ho is one of Hio loaders of the Labour party, and ho scorns to have their entire confidence. I consider that Ii« is entitled to ft scat in tho Cabinet and I think this view will bo shared bv men of all shades of political opinions.

.In reference to the now r Minister of Mr Mas-ey remarked: " I see that Mr M'Nab has been referred fo as a very nice man, and I (an only say that I think this description of him is a von- apt one. I have been in Parliament with Mr M'Nab ouito a number of yenrs—nbrfit 10, I think,—and, strange fo say, with the exemption Hiat I know him to be a fairly strong prohibitionist, I have scarcely any knowledge of his political views. Ho lias been a consistent supporter of the Government, liut what his views are on the land question I am unable to say. I do not even know whether he is a freeholder or a leaseholder. I have always noticed that when any important divisions on matters of land policy were taken ho voted with the Government if he was in his place in the House, but I do not remember him on any occasion exnressing an opinion in favour of tho leasehold or against the freehold, or vice versa.''

" I have no doubt," continued Mr Massey, in alluding to tho appointment of tho member for Grey Lynn to Cabinet rank, " that Mr Fowlds, as Minister of Educa-

tion, mil do justice to (he position. It cannot 1)0 forgotten, however, that lie is tho most pronounced Singlc-taxcr in Parliament. lie is a disciple of Henrv George awl a man w ho believes iliat the"whole of the taxation of the country should fail upon the land. I notice that it has been stated that as Mr Fowlds will not hold the portfolio of Lands nor Agriculture his views as a. member of the Executive on the land question are of very little consequence. I cannot agree with that opinion, lycattse every member of the Executive takes his or is supposed to take his part, in naming measures which later oil are submitted to Parliament a.s the policy measures of tho Government for tho time taing. Alfhounli I have no personal objection to Mr }'owlds, I mih-i say that I consider that nifl inclusion in {.he Ministry is a distinct nionaco to every man on tlio land in tho colonv.

Do you consider that tho now Cabinet. '''" bo a. stronger Government than the oeddem Ministry? " Well, if you ask whether from a party standpoint Messrs Millar, M'Nnb, and iowlca are stronger than Messrs Scddon, iJaiican, and Mills my answer is decidedly no._ it has t o be remembered' that all hough their best friends would not consider Messrs Duncan and Mills good delators, the Department* of Lands and Customs, of which tliey have had control, have run fairly ."inoolhly during- the past ve.tr or two I hrtyo no fioubt that Sir Joseph Ward lias •nil* considered the position, and that he has done what ho believes to be bet under tho circumstances; but whether tho new Ministry will possess tho confidence of the apart altogether from tho support ol a majority of the niember.s df the House time, alone can tell."

Ilavo you anything io ear regarding the proportion of the rcTrresontation of the two islands in tho new Cabinet? i(i There certainly." replied Mr Massey, is an improvement in this respect, so far as tho North Island is concerned, but I ij" .]t .would ha.vo been better if the i remior in selcctiuir members of his Ctibinet had ehcsen a North Island member for the position of Minister of Lands, as most of the remaining Croivn lands of the colony are situated in the north, and it will bo 'a considerable timo before Mr M'Nab can acquire the local knoweldgo necessary for •no proncr administration of the department."

You have noticed that. Mr Hall-Jones ha-s boon appointed Minister of Railways? ''Yes. I quite expected that, as the portfolio of Railways carries with it £.'OO a year more than is naid to any other member of the Ministry, the Preni'cr, of course excepted. Mr Hall-Jones .lias probably earned promotion, if it may be termed such, by acting as Premier from the timo of the death of Mr Scddon until the arrival of_Sp* Josoph \Vnrd in the ro!onv. M In speaking of the appointment of Colonel Pitt a.s Colonial Secretary and Minister of Defence, Mr Jfasser said lie bad no doubt Iw, those duties would be well attended to be the Governmnnt's representative jp the 1 toper C'mnlvr, alM>oii'di, of course, it would bo somewhat iiuonvenient. so fa.r as tho Lower Hou c e was concerned, as it would necessitate the administration of those two departments being defended in the popular Chamber by Ihe Premier.

P.OAIK ATTOKMNT) nPTNrnxs. (From Oua Own Correspondent.) 1 n»i rr AUi.'K IiAXIJ. August 6. J iifi Hon. Sir (i. M. O'Rorkc. when in- . lerviewed upon the qucstrou of the proposed noiv Cabinet, remarkedl shall 10 very glud, indeed. for Auckland to have a member in the Cabinet. I have particularly noticed the need for a .member "i Auckland City when there have been matters comreeled with the University and iiammar School, regarding which I wished to seo a Minister. I am, therefore, verv tr-.lt. to Fen Mr Fowlds's name included in "JC now C-aninot, As for his single (ax views, I <1 0 not tliink - there is the s'ightest. i.-e hiooa o t that mailer coming up as a - mislorwl question and I hope the pron not k '™ m « one. As to -11 -U Aal), ho is a very nicc man, and S ffi a most elliciG.it memwitii u! 1 i S i !i niM, r '' tJioroug-lily acquainted Uo <'cl-nls of what 1, 0 i'iM'Hav has also acquitted himself very Veil ■la .1. member of the House. He is a very intelligent man, and that ho is recognisedn. »uch is shown by the fact that 111! was appointed Chairman of Committees. While 1 am sorry to see anybody dropped overT i ';r" sni!o ti,at thc thl '« "ion will undoubtedly strengthen the Minist-v wis an admirable Minister loi I,mid:;, uilly acijuit!nfoil with Hie reqmi'omonts of agriculturists; and as for M r t ;!i '<»• JU TC.IIB as Government whip that he had irtl" S , £e!l '' 111 " !0 Ministry." m, , !J - , Bl ' uol:cs . President of the Juries and Ltd.,our Council, expressed the opinion that the Cabinet would prove a sh ; o, !S «". [1 eflicicnt one. There was, he ; a-on ri> il:o wo.!.' is to feel dissatisfied will, Sir Joseph Ward's selection and his own personal opinion, and that of members of the council with I '« l»'l wfcrrotl, was (hat Sir .Joseph Ward would carry on the progressive policy initiated by the late Premier. . 0 present head of the Government having been Mr Sneddon's right-hand man. lie believed that the main planks of the late ircmicrs platform would be retained by bir Joseph Ward, and . that the worker's nau no cause for apprehension. Proerew along Labour lines and with due regard to the good of thc community as a whole was anticipated by the Labour party. It was gratifying to know that an Auek'laudcr had been included in tho Cabinet, and with three North Island members the North : could expect_ its fair share of expenditure in reproductive works, _ provided that the Members woi"-r<! unil- div for the common Rood. Hp considered that Sir J. G. Ward had taken a right step in appointing Mr Minister for Education, since Mr I'owlds was likely to control that important department well, and would leave. Sir Joseph free from any attack on the denominational education question. From the workers' point of view, Mr Fowlds would be a source of strength to tlio Government. Mr Millar was a Labour representative, and hurl shown capacity and judgment. His inclusion would satisfy Ihe Labour party, j\lr_ M'Nab was also favoured by reason of his leasehold' views, which \\v"'e a planl; in tho council's platform. "Pome think that Sir .loseiih will vol be able f 0 adequately follow tho late Premier." Mr Brookes concluded, "but I tliink lie will, particularly as he will not have so many tleparimonU lo niton-' 1". He lia-3 nroved himself a capable administrator of the departments which he has controlled in the past, and of his financial ability there can be no question."

VIEWS of ohrtstohurch MEMBERS, (From Our Own Correspondent.) _ OHRTSTCHTJRCH. August 6. •Speaking to a Times reporter, Mr 11. 0. E'l, M.H.R., expressed the opinion that no better Ministry could be selected from the present House. He believed that as Minister of Lands Mr M'Nab would bo ( a great success, more particularly with regard to the Forestry Department, to which he had devoted considerable attention. Concerning Mr Fowlds, ho had only that morning received a telegram from Mr Barber, member for Newtown, slating that the freeholders in Wellington were protesting to Sir Joseph Ward against Mr Fowlds',s inclusion in the -Ministry. Ho (Mr Ell) had telegraphed that ho regarded Mr Fowlds's inclusion as being a very proper one. Mr Fowlds was a. capable man. He was personally popular, and highly respected by a seotion of the House oil account of his views upon social, economic, education, local government, and other questions, many of which Mr Millar did not represent. He had always foimd Mr Fowlds take a deep and intelligent interest in tho legislation of tho House, and particularly in matters of education, in which he had always taken a- leading part. Mr Millar was just the man for the positions which had been allotted to him. His appointment as Minister of Labour would give general satisfaction on account of his well-known sympathy with the cause, and his well-known sound common sense. As an administrator lie could ho counted upoil to administer tlio department with the minimum of friction. Mr T. 11. Davey, member for Christchurch East, said that the Ministry was an excellent one. He. reminded the interviewer that on Juno 15, in conversation with the Times' Wellington correspondent, he had absolutely selected the Ministry now gazetted. The railway men would be disappointed that Sir Joseph Ward had not retained Railways, although he was equally appreciated in the Post ar.d Telegraph Department, which would naturally bo jubilant. Ho was not sure how Railways and Public Works would run together, but there was no reason why they should not. Tho allotment of portfolios was a very fair one. .Mr M'Nab was both a practical and theoretical farmer, and ho also had a big knowledge of forestry. Mr Millar was probably the best man in the house in marine and shipping matters, whilst his connection with labour was historical. It was not i>ossible to agree with all the views expressed by the "new members of the Ministry in the Past. _ Mr M'Nab's statements on the land question were not altogether satisfactory. He wanted the existing system maintained, whereas the more pro!rrfs=iv<> v. "mbors of the House insisted upon the absolute teisaiion of t-lie sale of the freehold. Unfor-

tlinafely some other members of the Ministry hold similar views to those of Mr 31' Nab. Tho West Coast would be (lisapi>oii>tod, no doubt, at not having Ministerial representation, and there might, lie some friction on this account. Personally he disagreed with Mr Fowlds's single tax proclivities. Imt. he did not anticipate that Mr J?o\v'ds would make this question obtrusive.

Mr C. M. Gray stated that, in tho absence of Mr Scddon. the Cabinet was a decided improvement, and had been strengthened all round. He would have piefencd to have seen still another change ill regard to tho present holder of tlie portouos of Junes and Justice; but with his brief experience he would not like to suggest who was tlie best man to administer these departments. Considering the dilliculties Sir Joseph Ward had to contend with in the work of Cabinet-making, lie had clone as well as he possibly could. SOMii'PRESS OPINIONS. AUCKLAND. IFnoa Ous Own Correspondent.)

AUCKLAND, August 6. The Herald, in ius loading columns tomorrow will sly; "Sir Joseph Ward cannot, he said to have disappointed the country in the composition of "his new Cabinet. Apart from tho individual opinions of new Ministers, there can l:o no question whatever that they arc personally a distinct improvement over the two Ministers who have been dispensed with in parliamentary independence, political abilitv. and vigour of mind am] character. As "far as Auckland is concerned, it has every reason to appreciate t.ho inclusion in Che Cabinet of the member for Grey Lynn. Wo st.ron.glv disagree. with him on the land and _ other important questions, but wo cordially recognise in him many qualifications for office, and unhesitatingly class him as flio best- of tho Auekland members available for Sir Joseph to choose from. Ho has business ability, intelligence, and character, and has earned the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens regardless of party affiliations and political sympathies. As Minister of Education and cf Public Health ho may do considerable good work, and can hardly consider himself callcdupon to advance his peculiar ideas by means of these departments. His appointment: brings Auekland once more into touch with tho Ministry of the day, local representation having been lacking for several years, and as he knows tho requirements of the district his presence at Cabinet Councils shouht assist ill the development of our northern resources without, overriding the fair and just claims of the rest of tho colony. Mr M'Nab although a lawyer by'profession, has considerable landed interests. He could not possibly bo a less efficacious Minister than (he worthy M.r Duncan, and we ltave reason to expeel him to bo an exceedingly capable one. Mr Millar, with whoso political ideas wo ha.ve frequently had to differ, is none the less a leading parliamentarian, and one who lias been marked out by close observers as a coining man. Long identified with tho Labour interest', he has of late ycarsshown signs of tho moderating influence of age and experience. Nor .. ill Irs stoutest opponents rleny him his undoubted ability and exceptional foreo of character. As far as threo changes go Sir Joseph Ward has by them greatly strengthened his position, provided, of course, t:iet lihe new elements in tho Cabinet coalesce cordially with the old elements, and enable him to lay before the colony a practically progressive policy. TTpon this policy the new Government must bo judged, and not upon tho personal opinions of its memlvrs.' As for the portfolio? of Mines and Native Affairs, wo are sorry that, wo cannot congratulate Sir •To-onli Ward upon his having left, fliem undisturbed. Both have been feeWy hnm'lod, particularlv the latter one, the administration of Native lauds being universally recognised as the weakest of our governmental functions. Wc most earnestly hope that the new Cabinet will stinvulato the Native Lands Department to activity and to the removal of that blockade of business winch is exciting discontent all over tho north, without, doing any good whatever to any other section of the colony." 11l conclusion, the Hera'd »vs: ''Tho new Ministry must ho judged unon its merits; upon what is seen of its methods of administration, and upon the results tint arise from Ihe general character of Ps policy. Tf if? wort- an*' its policv r.rove to bo for the genera' n'-owerih- and ad-va.-ie.'-reeut .of, .Ne.w Z"n!nn'l the Ward f'-binet will have <\%re-d. and will roc>i<-o. general pulib'c support reear>'i«« of the individual opinions of its individual 111cmhers."

' WELLINGTON. 'From Oim Ow.s- Oip.F.sroxDTOT.) WELLINGTON, Augusb 6. The Post's opinion of (he now Ministry mar be gathered from an article published on Saturday. It stated that the Scddon j Ministry was very far from being a strong 1 one, for correspondent to the prodigious power of its head was the weakness of its tail. Many years are likely to pass before this country gets another leader equally qualified to lord it over the democracy with the one we have lost, but in the average strength of its ordinary members it will be a vcrv easy business for a new Cabinet to surpass the old one. The Post receives with satistaet.ion Mr Mall-Jones's resolve to continue in the Ministry, and refers to him as a man who has long- been known as one of the most conscientious and assiduous of our administrators, and who lias borne himself with great tact and dignity during the recent crisis. It adds: "None of the other retentions provides any special cause for satisfaction, though most of them were pretty confidently expected. If the NativeMinister, the Minister of Justice, and the Ailoniey-g-eiKnui of tho Sec-don CabiiK-.t achieved no conspicuous successes, they certainly did not conspicuously fail, and it is natural in the dircumstancos that the claims of rival aspirants of equal or even slightly superior merits should have been passed over in favour of tho-.ro who -have lwen so long in possession. So far as the Attor-ney-general is concerned, though it is inconceivable that the legal profession would even have selected him as its official head, the Premier coulo certainly not find a bettor loader for the Legislative Council. The three new Ministers (Messrs Millar, M'Nab, and Fowldsj represent just the selections that the public would probably have made if free to choose, and they will constitute a great accession to Ihe strength of the Cabinet." The Post regrets that room has not been found in the Ministry for Mr Hogg, a regret 'hat, will not bo very generally shared. Of Mr Millar the Post savs: "As Minister of Labour Im will find" a congenial sphere, and, though it will be impossible for him to realise in office to their full extent the doctrines which ho has preached as Labour agitator and parliamentary free lance, his inclusion in the Cabinet should .go far lo allay Ihoapiirehensious of the workers that the new Premier cannot be relied upon lo cater for their wants as assiduously as Mr Scddon. In giving a portfolio to Mr Fowlds, Sir Joseph Ward," the Post adds, "will secure the double advantage of placating Auckland and of obtaining the co-opera-tion of a politician of exceptional character and capacity." The Chammakship of Committees. With Mr Millar's promotion to Cabinet rank there will, of course, bo a new Chairman of Committees wanted. Mr YVilford is a enn-diclote- for the position, and if. as stated, Sir Win. Steward does not want the position, Mr Wilford's chances of election should bo good. Last year he was one of the best men Mr Seddon tried in the chair, being prompt and quite impartial. With some closo study of procedure and precedent, he would no doubt mako a satisfactory chairman. CANTERBURY. JFaosi Oua Ows CoaaESPOiniEirr.) . CHPJSTCHUKCH, August- 6. The Press, referring to tho new Ministry, says: "Sir Joseph Ward, having ma-do un his mind that tho strong bead of the Ministry having been taken away tho first essential was to strengthen its tail, lias undoubtedly taken tho best means at his disposal for this purpose by dropping Messrs Duncan and Mills, and taking in Messrs Millar, M'Nab, and Fowlds. Tho neiv Ministers will greatly add to tho strength of tho Cabinet- in debating power. As regards their administrative capacity, it is a-s yet (too oarly to speak, seeing that nono of them has had any experience of office. Mr Millar is a man of undoubted ability, but. ha"! the reputation of being wanting in industry and application. As Minister of Customs. Minister of Labour, and Minister of Marine ho will have sufficient occupation to give him the opportunity of showing that the impression referred to does him an injustice. Mr M'Nab is painstaking and level-headed, and \\« shall be surprised if he does not effect substantial reforms in the Department of Agriculture, which for somo time past has shown the want of a good administrative head. Mr Fowlds has proved himself energetic and successful in his own business, but tho Departments of Education and Publio Health, which are entrusted to his care, demand peculiar qualifications not necessarily found associated with commercial acumen. We observe that in some quarters the appointment of Mr Fowlds is regarded as an astute move from a political point of new, it being thought that

suck a sturdy Nonconformist holding tho portfolio of Education must surely lio accepted as an efficient, counterpoiso to a Roman Catholic Premier. On; the other hand, there is no doubt i.liat Mr Fowkls's vowed sysmpalhy with certain advanced forms of Socialism has aroused the opposition of what, is known as tho Country ))!irty in the .Ministerial following, and wo fancy when the House mcetsth.it it will he around tho appoint rnont of Mr Fowlds that tho strongest criticism of tile constitution of tho new Ministry will centre." ,The Press points out that in his search for strong men Sir Joseph Ward has been compelled to disregard the principle of geographical distribution which has so long liocn permitted to play a potent in tho constitution of New Zealand Cabinets, and it. express the hope that the vicious principle of a-lloca-ting portfolios to different provincial districts having once been broken through it will he abandoned forever. A Minister of the Crown lias chnrgo of a department, of t.lio Stale, not. of ft provincial district, and should surely bo reyarded as representing Now Zealand as a v.Ik;!", not a mere section of tlm colony. Finally, the journal congratulates Sir Joseph Ward on having eliminated the clement of farce from tho Cabinet by dropping "King" Mahul.i.

Til" LvtU'lto!'. Times, referring to the new Ministry, says:—"Wo may say at. once that Sir Joseph Ward has fulfilled the desires of the Liberal party. He lias called to tho Cabinet thp three members of the parly who were marked out for oflice alike by their loyalty to principle, their conspicuous ability, and their influence in Parliament. He has gone frankly In the progressive section of tha party for help, and has silenced the suggestion' that I'io now Ministry would he more Conservative JIIHII the last. We doubt if a stronger Cabinet could have been drawn from the present Parliament, having retnrd to experience and standing as well as to ability; and wo congratulate Sir Joseph Ward unreservedly on the wisdom he has shown in his selection, and on the courage and tact with which he has handled a difficult situation. Until the policy of the Administration is declared wo cannot, of course, promise it unqualified support; but tho Premier and his colleagues are not at. all lilcelv to abandon the principles they have advocated in the past." Alluding to the now members of the Cabinet tho Times ■ savs:—" Tho appointment of Mr M'Na.b Mid Mr Fowlds makr= it clear, we think, that, so far as the' Ministry is concerned. no lesrisiation will lie introduced or approved that is likely to defeat tho will of the neople on the licensing question. Mr Millar's sympathies have sometimes been alleged to' be elsewhere, but ™>niow>l!prinj» tbe peronnel nf the now Ministry wo believe the public may rest confident that its bard-won rights in this matter will be solidly conserved. It is no mean gain to have eliminated so fertile a source of dissension, and Sir Joseph has achieved a conspicuous success from this point of view, because his Cabinet, as a Cabinet, can claim to bo absolutely impartial on tbe liquor issue and at the same lime to be absolutely loyal to Liberal principles."

lii another article tlie Times pays a. warm tribute to flio earnestness Sir Duncan lias brought to hear on the administration of the Lands Department.

MR M'JfAB TO BR FA'TERTATNI®. (Per United Press Association.) GORE.. August 6. The Hon. R. M'Nab is to be banqueted by his constituents as a mark of their gratification on his elevation to Cabinet rank. The function will be 'held in Cioro on Tuesday, August 14. The Premier. Hon. J, A. Millar, and district M.IT.R.'s aro to be, invited. It is worth noting that two si:ccMsivo representatives for Mataura —Tho Hon, (1. F. Richardson and the Hon. Mr M'Nab—have occupied the post of Lint's Minister. Another coincidcnco is l that tho Hon. Mr M'Nab's appointment was ma<k on the fifth anniversary of tho death of Sir John M'Kenzie.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. The members of New Zealand's new iliuistry are widely known by reputation, but a short reference to important events in their past lives will not bo out of place at this juncture.

Sir J. G, Ward was born at Emerald Hill, Victoria, in ISSB, and arrived in Southland with his parents when a child. He entered the Postal Department at the age of 13 years, but afterwards relinquished this position for employment in a merchant's office. This, 1 low ever, did not satisfy him, and at the age of 20 lie entered the Railway Department. A year later the grain trade took his fancy, rtnd ro successful was he in this line that he soon established a number of agencies in Australia. After serving a number of years as a local politician lie entered the House ill 18S7. He

was elected unopposed in 1800, and in tlio joliowing year, when the late Mr Ballanco came into power, lie accepted tho oflico oi Postmaster-gencTa!. On the redistribution of portfolios in 1893, consequent 011 Mr Balance's (loath, he accepted the Treasurcrsliip. The offices of Minister of Railways and Coloilia. Secretary followed in 1807. In July, 1897, at the time of his enforced bankruptcy, lie resigned his scat in the House of Representatives, but was re-elected at the by-election, and resumed his place in tho House as a private member in September of the same year, 111 1899 he rejoined the Cabinet as Minister of Railways, Postmaster-general, and Colonial Secretary, and subsequently he took up the portfolios of Public Health, Industries and Commerce, and Tourist and Health He-

sorts. He has thrice held tho position of Acting-Premier. The penny post, classificafloating the advances to settlers loan at 3 per cent., the completion of the Pacific cable— tion of the Post and Telegraph Departments, these arc just a few of his performances to give an idea of his political work. On the visit 01" 11.15.11. the Duke of York in 1001 the honour of knighthood was conferred upon him.

The Hon. W. Ilill-Jones was born in Kent in 1853. lie landed in Port Chalmers in 1873, remaining in Uitnedin for about two years' after v.-hich lie removed to Timaru. He is a carpenter by trade. At a by-election in 1890 he contested the Timaru scat as an opponent of tho Atkinson Government, and was returned bain? again returned a few months later at the general ejection. He became Ulup to the Ballance Government in 1591. In 189G he joined the Cabinet as Minister of Public Works, and subsequently was entrusted with the control of Hospitals, Asylums, and Cha.i'itab.e Aid, Marine, Inspection or Machinery, and the Government Printing Office.

The Hon. Jus. M'Cowan was horn in Ireland in lc-tl. He landed at Auckland in 18G-3 afterwards removing to the Thames, where he carried on a storekeeping business. In 1893 he was clected to the House of Representatives for the Thames seat in place of the Hon. A. J. Cadnian, vdioretired to contest the Auckland scat with Mr AV. L. ltees. He was again returned to lie House at the general election m 169, i, ant. has held the seat ever since. On the retirement from politics in 1830 of the Hon. Kr Cadnian and the Hon. Mr ihomuson he accepted tho portfolios of Mines and Justice, which offices he has held continuously.

Tho Hon, Jus, Carroll was born in the Ha-vvko s Biy district in 1857. Ifc was a member of the House for the Eastern Maori district from 1887 until 1833. since which line lie nas represented the European dectoiate of Vaiapu. lie became a member of ill.' Jucectitive Council in 1892, and in 1000 assumed the portfolio of Native Minister, an onice lie has since held. The Hon. Albeit Pitt is a native of Iloban lasmama. In 1(>GI he was admitted at Dunedm as a barrister of the Supreme Court of Act,- Zealand. He was elected a member of the Provincial Council of Kelson in 1567 and again in 1871, and in 1879 be was elected a member of the House of Representatives for 1001 •of , N<!lso,l > occupying the teat until 1831 wlien lie retired. In 1893 he was called to the Lcgislativo Council, and four years later joined the SeJdon Government an Attorney-genera! and Leader of the Council. Since the Hon. Mr Seddon's death lie has held flic office of Minister of Defence. Tho on. iir litt has always taken a great interest m Vo-unteer mutters, flic Bon. J. A. Millar was born in Julinder, • India, 111 18m. H c is tho eldest son of Majorgenera J C. Millar His parents removed to Scotland and Mr Millar received his cduca-!,°V-n £ !" )I,r?h ' omit 0n ° t0 New Zealand in IbiO to take up the occupation of sheenfarming On the voyage out, however, he took a fancy (0 t] lo sea, and decided to follow that Hfe. Alter remaining for a few months ill Duncdm, he was apprenticed to Patrick Henderson and Co.'s ships, and served his time in them. Afterwards he was an officer on several of the vessels, and he also served in tho Sliatv, Savill, and Albion Companv's ships On resolving to settle in the colony, ho left the Shaw. Savul, and Albion Company s employ. This was in 1831. Mr Millar then turned his attention to the coa=tal =ervice and for six years he sailed in nnd out Of ue.lington as oflicer or master of different steamboats. In 18S7, when he was appointed general secretary of the Federated Seamen's - a J! y 1 sea, and from tnat date rapidly made his way as a public man until lie entered the House in 1893 as member for Chalmers. In IS9G he was elected one of the members for Dunedin City, with the late Mr Scobie Mackenzie and the lato Mr Fish. Ho has sinco hia first election been continuously in the House. In 1899 ho was made chairman of the Labour Bills Committee; in 1900 he acted 011 tho Federation Commission; 1903 be became Chairman of. Committees in the Lower House. Mr Millar was secretary of the Seamen's Union in 1890, when the big strike took place. The Hon. Robert M'Na-b, M'.A., LL.B., was elected in 1893, beating the Hon. G. F. Uichardson and Mr Jas. C'mstie. In 189G Mr P-ichardson won the seat from him witll

a majority of 201; but in IS9S, when Mr Richardson retired, Mr M'Nab defeated Mr W. F. Ward by 357 votes. At the subsequent elections Jlr M'Nab was again returned. Tho new Minister is the eldest son of the lato Alex. M'Xab, of luiapdale Station, who came out to Australia, from Scotland in 1840, and to Southland ill 1555, whore he was afterwards Speaker of the Provincial Council, Mr AlA'ab was born in Southland in 1804, and received lii 3 early education at tho Invercargill Grammar School, of. which institution ho was dux ill 1579. He entered tho Otago University the following year, and there matriculated. In 1683 he obtained bis .B.A. degree, taking the senior mathematical scholarship of the Now Zealand University of tlntt year. In 1831, at. the age of 20, ho took his M.A. degreo with honours in mathematics and mathematical physics, lie entered the office of Messrs Smith, Chapman, and Sinclair in 1888, and three. years later was admitted to the Bar. Next year be removed to Invercargill, where ho commenced the practice of his profession, and in the same year ho obtained the degree of LL.I3. from his old university. Mr M'Nab has prominently associated himself with Volunteering for a, long tiine. tic was ?.t one time a member of tho li Battery in Dunedin, and in 1837 ho obtained command o( tho -North Dunediu Hides, a position which he held until. hi 3 removal to Invcrcargill. He was also a prominent riflo shot in those days. He competed at the N.ifi.U.A. meeting at Blenheim in 1888, and won tlio champion belt cf his company in 1889. In Invercargill lie has held tho command of tlio G Battery of Artillery. The Hon. G. Fowlds arrived In New Zealand ill 1855. He is -1G years of age. Just over seven years ago, prior to the first of his uninterrupted successes at the polls, tho Auckland Star gave the following summary of his " platform ": "Ho advocated reform in electoral machinery; reduction of the breakfast table tax by an increased tax of Id in the pound on land values; a central school in each of the largo centres, where different classes of study could be taken up; technical education; speedy communication by rail with Wellington; colonial scalo of payment of toachcrs and civil servants; popular decision of tho licensing question at the ballot box. Ho hoped to see the principle of the referendum extended to all great questions, and the Upper House abolished. If elected, without being slavo to any party, he would give a genoral support to the Liberal Government. Ho had given no pledge to any party. He would stand or fall by Liberal principles, and follow the party which would bring tliose principles into legislation. He had fo thank his own good wife for lo.val support and assistance."

An Auckland telegram states that, tho ' l'arnell Liberal and Labour Federation passed a resolution expressing approval of tho now Ministry, and promising lica.tt.jr support, also thanking Messrs Duncan and Miiis for services to t.ho party in tho past.