THE VICTORIAN KAISER.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 58, 2 December 1907, Page 5

THE VICTORIAN KAISER.

MR. BENT AND HIS COLLEAGUES.' Tho' holding of a portfolio in Mr. Bent's Ministry seems to partake of much of tlio oxcitcmoiit of grasping tlio handles , of, a medical battery, for' in . both eases sorics of thrills are experienced at irregular and uncertain • intervals. 'Ministers havo succeeded in lessoning the shock of Mr. Bent's unexpected announcements on matters of Government policy by expecting anything and looking wise when it comes. Thoro was a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday last, when consideration was given to all questions of policy which'had to be publicly announced v. il.hiii tho week. On Thursday morning, while listening to the representations of a railway extension deputation, the thought occurred <o Mr. ■ Bout that the congested state of, Hie railways standing committee's work might be relieved by appointing additional njeinliers oii tho committee, and lie accordingly askoJ in the Legislative Assembly a couplo (if hours later for leave to introduce a bill in that direction. That was the first the majority of the Cabinet bad heard of tho proposal ; while jono Minister was not awaro of tho I'rojniVa action until lie was informed somo time situ.