PUBLIC WORKS

Southland Times, Issue 19894, 12 June 1926, Page 7

PUBLIC WORKS

VACANT PORTFOLIO MR K. S. WILLIAMS APPOINTED A “BACKBLOCKS” SETTLER. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, June 11. The following statement was made by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) to-day: In the course of my statement some weeks ago regarding Ministerial appointments and changes in portfolios, I stated that with a view to lessening the load 1 was carrying it was my intention at an early date to relinquish the portfolio of Public Works which !■ have had for some years. I have accordingly tendered his Excellency my resignation of this position and Mr K. S. Williams, M.P. for Bay of Plenty, will be appointed to the vacant portfolio. • • • Mr Williams will be sworn in as a member of the Executive Council immediately and will assume the duties of his office at once. I feel confident that Mr K. S. Williams, as a practical farmer with a lifelong ex|>erience and knowledge of our country districts and what one may term a “backblocks” settler, will render good and efficient service. He possesses also a long experience of local Government and has always shown practical sympathy with the pioneer and the wage-earner. I know that men employed in the Public Works Department will have in their new Minister an interested and large-hearted "boss.” The appointment of Mr Williams brings Cabinet now up to the full working strength. I should like to repeat that where there are so many eligible members of the party which I have the honour to lead I have found the task of making the selection of new Ministers no easy one. I know it is impossible in these matters to give universal satisfaction, but I have endeavoured to pick a team that will, I believe, give of their best in the service of the Dominion.