NEW PREMIER'S STATEMENT.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13379, 30 March 1912, Page 5

NEW PREMIER'S STATEMENT.

THE MINISTRY'S AIMS

A FAIR TRIAL ASKED FOR

[United Pkkss Association.]

Wellington, March 29

Interviewed, by a "Post" reporter this afternoon as to whether ho hnd a mani--fosto to give to the public, tho Hon,f,T. Mackenzie rep'ied. "No; 1 have been so fully occupied that I have not thought of any political manifesto. However, I can say that we will devote ourselves unsparingly to the closer settlement of our country; to the development of our agricultural and pastoral interests; to forwarding onr mining;; to promoting and fostering our trade and manufactures, ,both here and abroad, and to improving the conditions of our people. We desiro'to settle down to solid work; to deal with questions which really .affect the progress of our country; to give too, in short. p»actir-.al substance, and not party shadow. The country lias for the past six mouths boon 'in the, throes of political unrest, and we believe tint tho wople are tired of _ party wranglings which have been going on to tho overshadowing of the proper consideration and promotion of the great national interests—interests which we should all havp so closely at heart._ I have confidence that people of this Dominion will appreciate the party that will quietly and resolutely Buttle down to doing 'the. work which the country requires done. My colleagues, although new to Ministerial rank, are well known as zealous and capable public in-on, who have filled many important public positions for years vast. They are also recognised as enthusiastic men, who will bring their best energies to bear on the* Departments committed to thoir care. All T ask at this time is that the people of New .Zealand .should-suspend their judgment until the now Administration has had a reasonable opportunity to justify its existence. If that can be done I have little fear of the result."