MINISTERIAL RECONSTRUCTION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19697, 26 January 1926, Page 6

MINISTERIAL RECONSTRUCTION.

TO THE EDITOR. q (R In Passing Notes, "Civis” recommends Mr Coates to nobble Sir Joseph Ward. In common wiwth many hundreds of Government supporters I am of the same opinion. The danger before Mr Coates is his reputation. His victory at the polls was a purely personal one. He was the man to do things or get them done. That was the conviction of the people, and by reason of it he sweat the polls with his Government on his back. The question is, Can he live up to this reputation? He has many advantages, but ministerial expreience is not one of them. Some of his best friends and stoutest supporters are fearful lest in “doing things” he may capsize the coach. To prevent this he needs strong, able, and experienced colleagues. It is the conviction of many of his supporters that Sir Joseph Ward possesses these qualifications to an eminent degree. His ability as Finance Minister is recognised on all sides, and in the interests of New Zealand it is to be hoped that Mr Coates may secure him in that capacity. Mr Nosworthy is Finance Minister only until the end of the financial year, and Mr Coates has indicated that Mr Downie Stewart will then take over that portfolio. The latter is an able man. but his physical infirmities render him quite unsuited for the Important and intricate problems of finance. —I am, etc., Government Supporter. a. -sj-aW THE MAIN NORTH ROAD. TO THE EDITOR. Sin,—l would like to draw the attention of the council to the disgraceful state of the tramway track on the North road, North-East Valley. In some places the rails are as much as three inches above the road surface. This is not only very hard on motor tyres, but is also very dangerous to all sorts of vehicular traffic.—l am. etc.. Motor Tax Payer. Dunedin, January 25.