The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 1909. A MINISTERIAL STATEMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2575, 9 August 1909, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, AUGUST 9,1909. A MINISTERIAL STATEMENT.

The activity of at least one of the Cabinet Ministers appears in marked contrast to the characteristic apathy of the Acting-Premier, and Mr. T. Mackenzie seems to be taking very largely upon his own.shoulders the task of keeping the Government’s policy well before the public. We must admit, moreover, that in this respect the Minister of Agriculture is fully justifying liis accession to Cabinet rank, if not his action in taking offico in a Ward administration. His utterances so far have been marked by practical common sense, and contain something more than the empty platitudes so beloved of the average Minister. Speaking to a pressman at Palmerston North, Mr. Mackenzie quoted soxno figures which are exceedingly welcome just now', lor thy indicate a distinct improvement in the financial position; For tlio halfyear ending June 30, the value of exports totalled the very respectable amount of £12,000,000, and exceeded tho imports by £5,500,000. This is exceedingly satisfactory, as showing that Dominionites are commencing to live within their means, and at this rate it will not be long before the leeway lost in the recent depression will be made up. The Minister anticipates that cereals will figure largely in next year’s exports. This is due to tho fact that tho high prices of wheat have induced southern farmers to sow a much larger acreage than usuql in grain and, given a good harvest, the output will he considerably greater than it has been for many a year. Mr. Mackenzie admits that the Government retrenchment scheme is bringing some dissatisfaction in its train, but he is on sound ground when ho contends that the general public will support the Government in the painful task it has taken up. Any blame given will be because of the dilatoriness of Sir Joseph Ward and his Ministry in deciding to practise economy. Tho Minister was likewise correct when he stated that if only fewer people would flock to the cities wo should see better results, but he seems to have forgotten for the moment that it is directly due to the Government he has joined that the people have no opportunity to go on the land, and therefore have no option but to flock to the cities. In assisting, to- remedy this grave defect in our political affairs, Mr. Mackenzie will have full scope for his energies.