THE POLITICAL SITUATION

Southland Times, Issue 17010, 6 April 1912, Page 6

THE POLITICAL SITUATION

> UB COLVIN'S VIEWS. 1 THE MINING INDUSTRY. '{APer United Press Association), CHRISTCHURCH. April a. The Hon. J. Colvin. Minister of Mines, arrived here from Wellington to-day en route for the West Coast. Asked regarding hia views on the political situation, Mr Colvin remarked that ho had little to say. Ho believed that the Mackenzie Ministry would prove equal to the task of retaining office, despite the anticipations of soma that the contrary ■would be the case. He thought the Ministry was one of the best that the Dominion had ever had and was a strong one from a debating, as well as from an administrative point of view. Personally, Mr Colvin said, his own interests ■were bound up in the mining industry, and he had a great deal of sympathy for the Industry which he considered one of the best colonisers in the world. All hls life he had been either engaged in mining or in business connected with the Industry. He recognised that he . had a hard uphill climb in following his predecessor, Mr R. McKenzie ; but ho intended exerting hls utmost endeavours * to push ahead the mining industry in all Its phases—gold, coal, and oil. He hoped to be able on his present visit to the i Coast to visit the State coal mines at j Runanga and Seddonville, as well as the | different mines centres. ’ Asked if there were any recent developments in connection with the Kotuku Oil fields, Mr Colvin replied that he possessed no official information ; but lie had learned from a gentleman who recently visited the field that the prospects were improving. Mr Colvin will leave by the Cass train tomorrow for the West Coast. THE NEW CABINET. EARNEST AND INDUSTRIOUS. AUCKLAND, April 5. Discussing matters relating to the tew Cabinet, the Hon. A. Myers remarked that every member of it had entered upon his responsibilities with enthusiasm. “I venture to say,” he added, “that never in the history of New Zealand has • there been a more earnest and indus- , itrlous Cabinet. Their only desire is that ' they be given an opportunity of showing their administrative abilities, and I am confident that the feeling of the country ■will be to give them every opportunity Of proving their worthiness to carry out their high and responsible duties.”