10 FEBRUARY 1900, Page 3

Mr. Plunkett has, we see, appointed Mr. Gill as secretary

to the new Agricultural Department. The appointment is being most unreasonably challenged, not on the ground that Mr Gill does not know his subject, but because he was at out time a Nationalist Member. We trust that all Unionistt will support the Government in the appointment. The agricultural development of Ireland on sound lines is matter of vital importance, and we congratulate the Govern went on having secured a gentleman for the post who not only has special knowledge, but is likely, owing to his ante cedents, to be able to prevent the work of the Department being impeded by malicious obstruction.