THE NEW MINISTRY,

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18441, 23 September 1931, Page 6

THE NEW MINISTRY,

The expected Ministry of the new Coalition Government has been formed, although the suggested portfolios have been somewhat altered. Mr Coates does not become Leader of the House so that with Mr Forbes remains Ihe individual leadership of the country. That lie has proved himself worthy of every confidence in the position has been conclusively proved during bis Premiership, so the country may feel secure in the knowledge that there is such a man at the head of affairs. Mr Coates has returned to a position his conduct of which in the past won him unstinted and just praise. If he has lost, none of his old powers a constructive and forward policy is assured in the departments under his control. In Mr Downle Stewart the Dominion Is fortunate in securing as Minister of Finance a man who, beyond dispute, lias proved himself an outstanding financial genius. Knowledge of his past record provides confidence for tho future. Sir Apirana Ngata, besides being a politician, may rightly be termed a statesman also, a generic which, unfortunately, has not been earned by many New Zealand Parliamentarians in recent decades. Mr Ransom brings with him a wealth of experience and valuable knowledge to aid in the deliberations of the new Cabinet. Mr Young during his 20 years oi’ uninterrupted service in the House has given many proofs of his capabilities and his selection will give universal satisfaction. In the choice of Messrs Masters, Jones, Cobbe and Hamilton the right of selection lias not been misplaced, and Mr Hamilton’s appointment to office is tlie only logical result of a political career which was unquestionably entitled to reward, and in that reward the country will benefit Taken as a whole the new Ministry is about as strong as it could bo from tlie material available in the present House. The omission of Mr Wilkinson is certainly to be regretted, for although tho coalition was purely one between He form and United, his presence would have greatly strengthened the Cabinet, The fact remains that the crying need ol’ Hie moment Is confidence. The Forbes-Coates alliance lias a must formidable task ahead of it and one that will involve many unpleasant decisions. Despite that its constitution assures confidence and in the difficult problems ahead of it, every sympathy and assistance is its due.