HON. A. T. NGATA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2861, 13 January 1909, Page 37

HON. A. T. NGATA.

(Put Uhited Press Association.) NAPIER, January 7. The Hon. A. T. Ngata pate^d through Napier to-day by the Mokoia, e/i route lor Wellington. In conversation with a Daily Telegraph reporter, Mr Ngata. ."aid : " You see, I cannot exactly say anything because the posit on of affairs is new to me. The other Ministers ha%e been in Wellington, and probably knew what was expected. I nave been up in Gi&borne, and the first intimation that I received of my appointment was by telegram yeeterday. I understood that I was to receive the pogiton formerly held in the Cabinet by the Hon. Mr Caroll, but I did not knowthat other departments were to be given to me. That I should be given charge of the Public Trust and Government and Accident Insurance Departments came as a complete surprise, and I do not care to express an opinion on my position until I know exactly where I stand." On being asked if his appointment might not be taken as a tribute to the Young Maori party, Mr Ngata said he was exceedingly gratified that he had been appointed to the charge of the Maoii Councils, as the formation of those bodies was the result of the efforts made by the Te Aute Students' Association, of which he vas a member. The Students' Association had urged the formation of councils in the interests of sanitation and to protect th-e health of the Maoris, and their desires ultimately found expression in the d-psired legislation.