STILL IN DIFFICULTIES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1396, 23 March 1912, Page 5

STILL IN DIFFICULTIES.

PROBABLE MINISTERS. STGN OF INTERNAL DISSENSION. In electing its new leader, tho Liberal party has overcome its immediate difficulties, but it is accepted on all hands that it has yet many difficulties to Nicotinic]'. A number of members countenance the view that the principal danger (o the parly in the immediate future will arise from the relegation lo private membership of some of ihe present Ministers. There are members who go so far as to indicate that three men in particular, Sir James Carroll, the Hon. R. M'Kcnzie, and the Hon. J. A. Millar are ill-pleased at tho turn that events havo taken, and that they may manifest their displeasure, possibly by retiring from public life altogether. Many speculations aro abroad ns to the composition of tho new Cabinet. Mr. Myers is regarded as certain to be included, and Jlr. Mucdonald's chances aro considered almost equally eood. The new leader himself and Mr. Wilford. who is looked upon as the potential AtfnrneyGcneral and Leader of the Upper House, might complete the North Tslnnd quota. There is a possibility that Mr. Vernon Reed may be given a position as honorary Minister. It is generally believed thai Mr. Xgala will bo retained in his present position. In tho South Island Messrs. Italian (Invcrcargill) and Lautvusnn (Lytlelton) are regarded as having shwi!( claims, nnd Mr. Atmm-o is also credited with prospects. Jlr. Poland has been named of late as a possible Minister for Minos. It is considered unlikely that Canterbury would be given two Ministers, but if it were ilm choice would lie between Messrs. G. W. Russell, T. H. Davy, and H. G. Ell. .■ ' A closo observer of politic.il affairs reI marked yesterday, before tho decision of i the caucus was announced, that if Mr. ', Millar v;ere selected as leader the final • departure of Sir Joseph Ward from New • »alnwl liolilics would be entailed in ! natural sequence. It is known that a oor- ; Hiii amount >>f aut.iu.'iiisni exists between : the two MinMor--, and it U unlikely thai Mr Millar, il he were once in power, would ever i:uu«eiit to give way lo his former leader. The credence given lo tho i rumour that Mr. Macdonald might bo J selected 03 leader hae roakd to a snout.

extent on the supposition that ho would have been willing (o mnko way for Sir Joseph Ward.in tiro, event of (ho present Premier desiring in tho futuro to make another bid for power, lly some people the rejection of Mr. Millar is regarded as a partial victory for Sir Joseph Ward. .U all.events it is known that (here is no'.ipyo'.lcst biHMletyX .Ministerg, and 'the fact docs not by any means tend (o strengthen (he party or to improve its prospects.