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Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7826, 19 August 1904, Page 4

Ik we are not mistaken, Hon. Cr. H. Raid's success in the formation of a Ministry will rather astonish everybody. The Age's minatory hints to possible perfidious coalitionists argues very considerable fear of future developments. The fact is, Mr Reid's Government will be something of an emergency Cabinet, in the presence of a common enemy. For, though the moderation and astuteness of the Labour Leader, who has just been defeated, arc the theme of universal admiration, they afford the strongest argument in favour of a general reconciliation of the other parties. We regard the formation of the Reid Cabinet as a powerful movement of obstruction to Labour progress. Rightly or wrongly, the capitalistic forces are determined to give the Labour Party a set-back, for they view its advance with alarm and anger. And Mr Reid (in spite of merciless lampooning and unceasing caricature) is a strong man, the ablest politician as well as ■statesman in Australia. The very virulence of the Opposition to him indicates that he is looked upon as formidable. That there is an extensive and powerful organisation hostile to the Labour ascendancy is certain, and its real strength, when disclosed (as it will be when Mr Reid faces the House), will surpr'se everybody. Now that Sir George Turner has to cast in his lot with Mr Reid, the probability of a strong following is assured; for the popular faith in that Prince of Treasurers is unbounded. Labour will lose nothing in the long run ; but the fruition of its hopes is deferred for a season.