The Waikto Times, THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE, AND KAWHIA ADVOCATE. Established THIRTY-THREE Years. THE OLDEST DAILY NEWSPAPER IN THE WAIKATO. THE LARGEST CIRCULATION OF ANY DAILY PAPER SOUTH OF AUCKLAND. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1906. THE RIGHT HON. JOHN.

Waikato Times, Volume LVII, Issue 6930, 1 February 1906, Page 2

The Waikto Times, THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE, AND KAWHIA ADVOCATE. Established THIRTY-THREE Years. THE OLDEST DAILY NEWSPAPER IN THE WAIKATO. THE LARGEST CIRCULATION OF ANY DAILY PAPER SOUTH OF AUCKLAND. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1906. THE RIGHT HON. JOHN.

Mk John" Burns, io hia early Parliamentry days, declared that no man's work was worth £SOO a year. He is now, by virtue of his office as President of the Local Government Board, " the Bight Hon. John Burns," and among the privileges attached to his new rank, as a Cabinet Minister, not the least is the right to draw a salary of £2OOO a year. The value of his work as a parliamentarian was appraised by his working men supporters at £4 per week, but his services to the nation ars t.o be paid for at ten times that modsst rate. Possibly, during the past few years, th,e member for Battersea has altered bis opinion as regards the value of some men's work, and it may be that his conscience will allow him to take the full salary attached to his new position. It is £nde,ed a great step, this elevation of " Honeat John." It is a personal triumph which few y/hc have followed his career will begrudge him. One must admire the steady persistence and tremendous energy that have raised John Burns from a mere wasteground stump orator to his present position. His enemies declared, when he was first returned to J'arliament, that they were glad he hid entered the House. They said, " He'll sgon find his level," meaning that the Labour leader would speedily find himself a mere nonentity. He has, however, always retained the respect of the House. He has not talked a great de&l in Parliament, and his speeches have alwaya been listened to with interest. It is prophesied that as president of the Local Goverosaent Board he will speedily come into convict with the permanent officials of that department ; but he i» quite as well aware as his critics are that the responsible heads of the department are gentlemen of education and large experience in the work the Board has to do, cad that in making any reforms he must secure their co-operation and support. Parliament, County Council, and wisdom born oi advancing years have brought changes in ths man and his methods, and given a fair chance in the matter of time, there is little doubt that John Burns will prove himself equal to carrying out the duties of his high office with credit to himself and with benefit to the country.