THE NEW GOVERNMENT

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1401, 29 March 1912, Page 5

THE NEW GOVERNMENT

THE HON. T. MACKENZIE MAKES A CLEAN SWEEP

CANTERBURY CAPTURES FOUR

PORTFOLIOS

NO WELLINGTON REPRESENTATIVE

SIR JOSEPH WARD'S FAREWELL MESSAGE

Tlie announcement- of the new Cabinet was awaited with interested expectancy all day yesterday, but it was not until about ten o'clock in the evening that curiosity was gratified.

The principal topic of conversation, in tlio morning was the resignation of tlio Hon. R. Jl'Kenzie, which preceded that of his leader, and other late colleagues by just about twenty-four hour?. Although Mr. M'Kenzie followed up his resignation with a statement that it was intended to disembarrass his namesake in his task of Cabinet-making, tliero exists a general impression that lie had other motives as well. Some people think that Mr. Mlvenzio's action amounts to a definito breaking aivay from his former associates. Visible developments in tho political situation did not occur until the lato afternoon. Shortly after four o'clock. Sir Joseph Ward met and exchanged farewells with the heads of the State Departments. Immediately afterwards ho set out l'or Government House, where ho interviewed Lord Islington, handed in his resignation, and recommended the Governor to send for tho Hon. Tlios. Mackenzie. A brief period of quiet followed, during which some prospective Ministers were to be encountered drifting about in a somewhat aimless way. Towards eight o'clock events began (o move vapidly again. The members of tho new Cabinet assembled at tho Prime Minister's offico in the Government Buildings, and spent somo little timo there. A number of private secretaries visited tlio buildings, presumably to be introduced to their new Ministers.

At half-past cigbt Mr. Andrews, Clerk to tho Executive Council, came out p.ml sot off for Government House in a motorcar. Half an hour later eight of the new- Ministers emerged. Mr. Colvin. tho new Postmaster-General and Minister for Mines, and Mr. Buxton wero absent Tho party of eight, Messrs. Mackenzie, Myers, Maedonald, Ilanan, Ell, Russell, Latircnson, and Dr. Illicit, entered two waiting motor-cars and set off for Government House, to be sworn in. Notable as the occasion was, it attracted little public attention. The only onlookers who witnessed the departure of tho new Cabinet were a few messengers and a solitary reporter. 1 At about ton o'clock Sir Joseph Ward issued a valedictory statement to the people. It is understood that the idea in leaving open the position of Attorney-Genera! and Lender of the Upper House is to keep open a placo in the Ministry for Mr. Wilford, against his return from England. It was stated in town yesterday that Mr. Ngata had demanded full Ministerial rank. This is understood to explain his being replaced by Dr..Buck. It is worthy of note that tho new leader has retained nono of his lato Ministerial associates in the Cabinet. Sir Joseph Ward's Administration survives only in its junior members, so that those members who desired "a clean sweep" have had their desires pretty thoroughly satisfied.

THE NEW CABINET.

FOUR CANTERBURY MEMBERS. IMPORTANT OFFICES FOE MK. MYERS. Tho following are the members of the new Cabinet:— HON. THOMAS MACKENZIE: 1 Prime Minister, Minister of Lands, Commissioner of Stato Forests, Minister in Charge of Land for Settlements, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Minister in Charge of Tourist and Health Resorts and Scenery Preservation Departments. HON. A. M. MYERS: Minister of Finance, Minister of Defence, Minister in Charge of Land ' and Income Tax, Minister in Chargo of Stato-gUaranteed Advances Office, Minister of Railways. HON. W. D. S. MACDONALD: Native Minister, Minister of Public Works, Roads and Bridges, Minister in Charge of Valuation Department. HON. J. A. HANAN: Minister of Education, Minister of Stamp Duties, Minister of Justice, Minister in Chargo of Police Department, Prisons Department, Crown Law (including Law Drafting). HON. G.LAURENSON: Minister of Customs, Minister of Labour, Minister of Marine, Minister In Chargo of Inspection of Machinery Department. HON. G. V/. RUSSELL: Minister in Chargo of Hospital and Charitable Aid Department, Minister in Charge of Mental Hospitals Department, Minister of Public Health, Minister of Immigration, Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister in Charge of State Fire Insurance, and Electoral and Advertisinp Departments. HON. J. COLVIN: Postmaster-General and Minister of Telegraphs, Minister of Mines, Minister in Charge of Old-age Pensions, Government Printing and Stationery Department. HON. TE RANGIHIROA: Minister in Charge of Cook and other Islands Administration, Member of tho Executive Council representing the Native Race, and in Charge of Maori Councils, Minister in Charge of Government Insurance Department, Public Trust Department. HON. H. G, ELL: Member of the Executive Council, and MlnlMpr In CMrno of Friendly Societies' Department

HON. T. BUXTON: Member of the Executive Council v/ithout portfolio. One portfolio carrying a salary has not yet been allotted. The position of Leader of the Upper House has not yet been assigned.

SIP. JOSEPH WARD'S RETIREMENT.

FAREWELL MESSAGE. REVIEW OP HIS POLITICAL CAREER. Sir Joseph Ward has addressed the following message to the people on his retirement from office:— "Fellow-citizens,—To-day I lay down tho duties and burden of the leadership of the Liberal party. 1 assumed it nearly six years ago, not without many misgivings that I could not maintain that unrivalled public record which tho lato Mr. Seddon closed by death in tireless devotion to tho land and peoplo he loved so well. As a statesman and a leader lie left behind him no equal; hence it was inevitable that I should suffer as his successor by contrasts and comparisons which showed his superiority. "Whatever may bo tho world's measure, a man's measure of his own achievements turns mainly upon whether ho has done his best; and whatever my shortcomings havo been, I feel that I cannot unfairly claim to liavo used such abilities' as I possess as well as 1-could, and as industriously as I could, in the service of this country, and in tho promotion of what 1 conceived to bo . the best interests of the great mass of my fellow-countrymen. "It is a quarter of a century since I was elected a member of Parliament, and I became a .Minister of the Crown over twenty-one years ago. I recogniso that it is given to but few men to hold.Ministerial office for so long a time, and while I have never, where justico and tho general welfare of the peoplo demanded it, hesitated to limit or resist sectional or class interests, I'havo (as is always the case) created class enemies without always securing a corresponding, support of the great mass of tho community for whose welfare I was striving. "The most disheartening experience of leadership is. that, wliilo tho classes of privilege and monopoly fiercely, and often effectively, attack a man for all invasions of their interests in the cause of tho common weal, the great bulk of the people he is seeking to benefit not infrequently regard his efforts with apathy and indifference. "And so to-day, on taking leavo of leadership, and of all prospect of other Ministerial office, I am fully justified in saying that what has incited against me tho bitterness, misrepresentation, and abuse poured upon me so overwhelmingly at tho last election, was mainly tho uncompromising attitude ■ I have always taken towards tho forces of Conservatism, Monopoly, and Privilege, when and where I havo honestly felt it was my duty to do so in the public interest. "No man who traces tho long series of legislative measures which began with Mr. Ballance, which were continued vigorously by tho late Mr. Seddon, and which the Government of which I had the honour to be leader has passed, can deny that the whole trend and purpose of these measures has been on tho side of tho people, for the benefit of tho people, and for the protection of the people against the possible oppression of tho great vested interests. Men of middle .life have poor memories indeed if they cannot recall the bitter resistance, both in the press and Parliament, which the members of the Opposition party offered to most of these beneficent reforms. "On leaving tho leadership to-day I feel a sense of pardonable pride in a survey of the Statute Book for tho last five, years, and that sense of pride is heightened by a wider survey of the measures I have helped to make law during all the previous years I was a member of the Ballance and Seddon Cabinets. Amid the tumult of recent and present party conflict, a man's past public work is not unnaturally forgotten, but I belicvo that when the people of New Zealand later pass judgment upon what I have done, and earnestly sought to do,-and make up the account for and against me, 'nothing extenuate nor aught set down in malice,' they will admit that my years of offico havo not been spent unworthily, and that I have left behind me in tho shape of administrative acts and legislative reforms a lasting answer to the .calumny which has for so many months past been directed against me in nn cvcr-increasing chorus by many of those opposed to me. Those who know me best will at least admit that I have not spared myself in doing the work of my public offices. I am now past middle life, and from years of early youth until to-day my life has been ono of strenuous labour. Tho best years of this life havo been given to my country. Henco it is that I accept with great cheerfulness the retirement which circumstances havo forced upon me. My prospective leisure comes to me tho more gratefully in that I am' no willing deserter from my post in the field. To me, whatever my bitter critics may say, my party's interests are dearer thau any personal advantage, and while I shall no longer have, the powers and privileges of leadership, I shall strive as a private member to assist in the fullest degree the party to which I have so long belonged, and which for over five years I havo led, in all attempts that party may make to further the interests of tho people of this country along the lino 3 of safe humanitarian progress.

"To-day .[ leave leadership and office with no sense of bitterness or resentment, and as a private member 1. shall continue to feel (lie same love for this beautiful country—(lie same intense interest in its progress, as 1 have always felt throughout the years of my Ministerial life. My late leader went out of office into the f-iSoßoe of death, tho heroic, victim of hi? own publin devotion, ending ihnb atresU' Qua IK? o£ kin m lit himsjlf would per.

liaps have chosen. My exist is different, but. were hi- living and in retirement, I .1111 to feel thai ho to-day would Imve hliiikiMi hip by the hand and cheered inn willi the Hint looking at my work I. had not been unworthy lo suc-t-.;od him; and I inn gratified by tlio belief thai those ul' my fellow-countrymen who lead this message villi fair, impartial minds will pass upon my years of leadership an erniallv generous judgment. "(Signed) JOSKPII GWIItOH WARD. "Wellington, March 28." "AU REVOIR." SIR JOSEPH WAIiD AND THE CIVIL SiO.IVICR Shortly after four o'clock yesterday afternoon tho retiring Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) met (lie heads of Departments in the Public Service, with a viewto bidding them farewell. The gathering was held in the Cabinet room, and that apartment was crowded.

Sir Joseph Ward said that it was painful to have to tako leave of tho heads of Departments with whom ho had been associated for so many years. With somo of them he had been associated very intimately, and ho felt the impending separation keenly.

Mr. W. C. Kensington, Under-Secretary for Lands, replied 011 behalf of the whole Public Service, and. brief speeches were also delivered by the heads of those Departments with which Sir Joseph Ward has been directly associated. The speakers included Colonel Collins and Messrs. T. Konayne, D. Ifobertson, A. Smith, G. Hogben, J. W. Salmond, and Dr. Pitchett. Alt who spoke testified to the uniform and unfailing courtesy which had marked Sir Joseph Ward's relations with tlio officials of the Public Service, and expressed regret at his departure from office. A number of the speakers referred in commendatory terms to the Superannuation Act, which tho Government had given to tho Public Service, and to the important part played by Sir Joseph Ward in promoting that measure.

In a concluding speech, Sir Joseph Ward spoke at some length about tho different Departments with which he . had been connected. lie claimed a record of sSrvico as Postmaster-General, having held that portfolio since 1891. In an appreciative reference to the manner in which (lie ollicers of the Postal Department carried out their duties, the retiring Premier particularly mentioned Mr. Robertson. He instanced a number of the reforms that had been introduced, among them penny postage. To the Ministerial private secretaries Sir Joseph Ward paid a special tribute, particularly commending those who had been associated with himself. 1 Of tho Treasury Department he also spoke at some length, remarking that ho could say that, throughout the time ho had been associated with the finances of this country ho had found tho respective heads of the Treasury Department uniformly anxious, in every possible way, to give good and impartial advice. He complimented Colonel Collins (Auditor-Geaeral)\on the way in which he controlled the finances in general, referring in a jocular vein to "those minutes which were sometimes unsavoury to Ministers." Sir Joseph Ward went on to state that Mr. l'oynton carried on with distinguished success the duties attaching to his position. It was, he .said, a very satisfactory circumstance, so far as ho was concerned, that "ways and means" were provided for until the end of October next. Owing to tho present position of affairs in Great Britain, tho time was lint opportune for a country such as this was to go upon the market for loans, and it,.would no doubt be a source of satisfaction to the responsible heads o( Departments, and to all others in the country, to know that finance had been provided for for the period he had indicated. Tn his succeeding remarks Sir Joseph Ward spoke of the affairs of various other Departments, and referred in a complimentary strain to tho way in

which tliey wore administered by their respective hoods. 110 thought, ho continued, that the heads of Departments ami himself might console themselves by rcm'eiiTboring that tho majority lmd always been persuaded that they were right. That being the caso, (hey had nothing to find fault with. Naturally, parting from the heads of Departments, whom he had known for many years, was a matter of very great regret to him. He went out of the service with the consolation of believing, at all events, that lie had tried to do his duty and what he believed to be right. He had tried, in liis Ministerial capacity, to help tho service by providing better opportunities for tho advancement of its younger members, and in other ways. For the present he only wanted to say "An Hevoir." lie was not going to say good-bye, because, as a private member in tho House, he might be. from time to time, able to bo of some assistance to tho service as a whole. He could only assure them tbat.it had his best wishes in every way for its future success. Sir Joseph Ward was frequently applauded as ho spoke, and when ho concluded cheers were given for himself and for Lady Ward. WHAT AUCKLAND WANTS, ISI.AXDS ADMINISTRATION. 18/ Telecranh.—Pleas Association.! Auckland, March 28. With tho redistribution of Cabinet portfolios pending, a strong agitation is afoot in Auckland to ensure that, an Auckland Minister shall be allocated the portfolio carrying with it the administration of tho affairs of the Cook and other islands which are under the aegis of the New Zealand Government. In support of tho contont : on that this should „l:i done, it is. pointed out that practically the whole of | tho islands' trading interests centre in Auckland, and that an Auckland representative in the Ministry having the administration of this Department would be in close touch with the requirements of the islands trade. As ail indication of the volume of business carried on between Auckland and tho Islands, it is stated that outward shipping alone represents 16,000 tons per month, exclusive of cargo carried by tho mail boats. The administration of tho Cook and other Islands has up to tho present been ono of tho Departments entrusted to Sir James Carroll. With a reallotment of portfolios, Auckland traders arc hopiug to seo Mr. A. M. Myers chosen to administer this Department. THE HON. R. M'KENZIE'S RESIGNATION. WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Christchurch, March 28. Referring to the resignation of tho Hon. I?. M'Kenzic, tho 'Tress" says editorially: It is rather difficult to mako out from tho surface of tilings whether tliis stop on the part of Mr. Roderick M'Kcnzie is a gentle act of self-abnegation intended to sooth the feelings and smooth tho path of his namesake, or whether it is an exhibition of mingled disgust and defianco betokening trouble. The redoubtable Roderick is not usually associated with meekness which, when it is asked for its cloak gives its coat also, and there is an ominous air about the statement that he intends to consult his constituents about the events- leading up to his resignation. THE RECENT CAUCUS. AN INSrOi: STORY. The Dunediu "Star" printed the other day tho following account of what happened at Iho caucus ln-1 week: — l.i i« quite likely that the outcoino of the lion. J. A. Millar's turning down will bo that at least four members of the Liberal party will consider their position. At the caucus Sir Joseph Ward explainer) Hint, ho had unwittingly misrepresented Mr. Millar when ho announced tho .jutkdwval of kU candidature, ftq

made tlmt statement in the full belief that Hint was what lie intended to convey when liii «itggcsled for tho sako of poaco such a collide should he followed, and when ho left Ihe Cabinet room his mind was nljne.i-ed wilh the idea that Mr, Millar had consented. Mr. Craigie moved that bulh names ehnuld ho withdrawn, with a view lo a via media being es(ai)li>hi'd, which meant, it was understood, thai, if tho ].ro])ositinn wcro carried either ifi-. Lauyenson (for choice) or Mr. Ifeed would bo nominated. Up to this time Mr. Millar's friends were insistent: that ho should faeo a division, so that tho country might lie enabled to seo what forces had contributed to his defeat. Then Mr. Millar himself cut the Gordian knot .by announcing that lie would withdraw from Ihu contest, and in doing eo ho delivered a philippic specially directed against tho labour corner. The end was at once in sight, and many woro glad that an irritating and almost intolerable situation was dissolved. Mr. ltnssell stepped inlo tho breach (it is understood that ho was prepared lo havo undertaken a similar duly for Mr. Millar tho night before, but was anlieipatcd under circumstances that have already been narrated), and renominated Mr. Mackenzie, and tho motion, meeting with acceptance, was adopted, Inns a sitting which lasted .something'like ten hours altogether, and which was any. thing but the happy time that >Sir Joseph Ward euphemistically described it, camo to a close. Mr. Craigio, in moving tho withdrawal of both names, expressed the opinion thai the people of the Dominion desired to sec a Ministry composed wholly of new blood who would start with a clean slate, am who, wilh the loyal co-operation of ox perienced men, would show that in (h< party there was latent, talent for elllcien administration, which was the >oal nocc of the country at this time, mid not si much heroic, legislation. This suggestioi paved tho way for Mr. Laurciisou's nomin ation. Tho surprise packet of tho day wa supplied by Mr. G. W. Russell, who, a this juncture, proposed Mr. Mackenzie afler.-having figured as one of the strong est supporters of Mr. Millar, on whose be half in the earlier proceedings ho hm made one of the most convincing spceche delivered during tho caucus, l'rom tli chair came the suggestion, which was at cordinglv lacked on to Mr. Craigic's resr lution, that either man previously nomii ated might be. renominated. When pu to the vote declared for Mr. M;tckeii?,i and 0 for Mr. lauronsjii. Tho (lire Labour members voted for tho mcmbe for Lyttelton, as did Mr. Tsitt. During the . course of. the proceeding the Hon. K. M'Kenzie said he had to 1: reckoned with if ho woro overlooked who reconstruction takes place.

PERSONAL DETAILS.

CAREERS OF THE NEW MINISTER! SOME CHARACTERISTICS. A sketch of Hie Hon. T. Mackenzie vr; (,'iven in Tin: Dohimox last Saturda; Below \viU ho fouml a sketch of the U: of each of li-is new eolleasucs, with-son notes 011 their political records and jie sonal characteristics. THE HON. G. LAURENSOK. The Hoa. CJooi-rp Lauren c on has bet member for ]ttoltoii ever .since 1899, ar has usually been returned by large majoi ties, culminating in 2000 at the last eie tion. He lias supported the party of M ■Sodden and Sir Joseph Ward, with oi brief interval, when lie figured as a lea lifrlit in what was then called tl ".New Liberal party." He was Cover mont "Whip for two sessions, but reli quished tlie offico on account of il health. ]t was also Konerally consider* that Mr. Laurensoa's personal ([iialiti were not just those that ro to the ma iu;; of a (iuccessful Whip. His talon ami inclinations ran rather in tho dirr tion of speech-making. He has a rap and rigorous style of utterance, and li oiten, especially of late, displayed co siderable bitterness towards his opponent He is a native of tlie Shetland Isles, ai came to this country with his family win IS years of «£(>. lie stion becanic a jtini clerk, ami later a partner in the firm Robert Forbes ami C'o.j Ltd., but so out his interest in 1901. He has been years a member of the I.yttelton llarbo Hoard, and v:as cluiu'inan for two yeai He is an extreme Radical,, and oft speaks on Hie laud question-- He 'stuni cd the country on that question with II Fou'kls ami other members a few yen ago. Mr. Laurenson is a prohibition and an elder of .the Presbyterian Churcli.

THE HON. J. A. HANAN. The Hon. Josiah Alfred lianan has been member ■ for-lnvercargiil-sincD 1899. It is his native place, and before lie went into politics he had worked up a considerable practice as a barrister and solicitor. He has long been one of tho most prominent membm of the Radical wing of the Gov ; eminent party, and whenever reconstruction of tho Cabinet has been, in the air, llr. Hanan has been regarded as one of the "possibles." He has also on various occasions been "tipped" for the Speakership or Chairmanship of Committees.. He was chairman of the Education Committee of the House for several years, and he came to the front in 1910 as chairman of tho Hine Inquiry Committee. During the reccnt short session ho was chairman of tho Privilege Committee, He is a clear and fluent speaker, an industrious worker, ami appears to. take his politics seriously.- ■ ■ '

■ THE HON. A. M. MYERS. The Hon. Arthur M. Myers was barn at liallarat in 18G7, but came to New /calami in boyhood, and was educated' at Wellington College, after which -he entered the employ of his uncle, .Mr. Ehreafried. He has ever ' since been associated.with the business,'latterly as managing,director of Campbell and.Ehrcnfried. He was at one time prominent on the football field, and has won distinction as an oarsman, swimmer, and bowler. Ho lios been a director of tho Auckland Gas Company and the New Zealand Insurance. Company. lie was for three successive years Mayor of Auckland, and initiated several important municipal works, including the new Town Ilall, (he electric light and power scheme, the Grafton Bridge, and big drainage water schemes. Ho was a strong advocate of the "Greater Auckland' idea. Volunteering has claimed his active support, and ho holds the commission' of a major (unattached). lie .first,,entered Parliament two years ago at tho by-election caused by the death of ilr. Banme, member for Auckland East. Mr. Myers is a man of considerable culture, and his manner both in private and in public, is quiet and pleasant. Though firs.t elected as an Independent, he was soon rccopnised as a safe vo'o for the Government, and at the last election 1 ho practically threw in his lot with'the party. THE HON. G W. RUSSELL. Old Parliamentarians still occasionally refer .to Mr. George Warren Russell as "member for Riccarton"—tho district which lie represented from 1891 to 189G, and from 1900 to 1902. Tie came back to Parliament, after six years'. absence as member for his present constituency of Avon. Early in his Parliamentary career ho showed a disposition towards jiolitical independence, and it was even rumoured several years ago that ho aspired to authority in tho opposito party to that which has now given him distinction, but sinco his re-entry into active politics in 1908 ho has regularly supported tho Ward Government. Journalism has claimed most of his active lifo outside Parliament. Ho loft the press after .an apprenticeship on the Wellington "Post" to become a probationer for tho Wesleyau ministry, but resigned after three year?, and was oonnected successively with newspapers in the Manawatu and Wailtaio. Ho removed I to Christchurch in ISS9 and established the business of Russell and Willis, printers and publishers. lie was for several years a. member of the North Canterbury Education Board, and member and chairman of the Canterbury Collego Board of Governors. "The Spectator," a weekly illustrated.papsC at. Christchurch, iY owned and edited br Mr. Russell, and ho is tho author of . A Manual of Duties of Lifo" for schools. He is 58 ye&rs of ago, and though a Londoner by birth, has lived most of his life in Now Zealand. THE HON. H. G. ELL. Mr. Harry Ell was born nearly 50 years ago in the City of the Plains, wliicli has | been sending him to Parliament frithout a break sinco 1599. His first candidaluro was lliroo years earlier, when ho managed to score 1711 votes, coming fifth on Tho poll for tho then undivided Christchurch City electorate. Before that ho had graduated as a public man on tho Spreydon Road Board, tho Christchurch Citv Council, and tho Addingtou School Commit[jso. En kccome a jiutisn et tj«

peaoe In 1900, and Las been for several shears n. member of tho Christchurch Domain Board. In this latter capacity, Mr. fill laboured con amoro, as the beavititicntion of his unlive city lias always boon nn object of his public life. Indeed his onthusinsm wont beyond local bounds, and lie mado all the Native flora 1 and fauna his special enro. The tnatnra lizard lias a warm place in his heart, and tho preservation of native bush is ono of his passions, His membership of the Timber Commission gave him opportunities for pleading ngainst the too reckless Ut<o of axo and firebrand. Anything that looks liko an cncroaehmcnt u|>on public reserves brings Mr. HI to his hot , in strenuous protest. Ho has always been ono of tho hardest workers for his parly, and has been,their Senior Whip for several sessions. Ho is a frequent and ready speaker, but while very strenuous in tone and manner he falls short of somo ol tho qualities that charm an audienco. THE HON. W. D. S. MACDONAM. Tho Hon. W. D. S. Macdonald is ono of tin. comparatively new men of tho parly, as ho did not enter Parliament until tho general election of 1908. Ho has been Junior Whip during tho latter part of his period in the House, and in that capacity has shown himself tactful and energetio. He is personally popular 011 both sides. His abilities are recognised as abovo tho average, but he is othenviso a . typical country member of tho Government party. Ho represents tho Hay of Plenty, tho largest electorate in Now Zealand, and is a freeholder. Ho was born in Victoria ill 18G2, and was bred up to pastoral pursuit?. Ho enmo over tii the Poverty Bay district in 1882, and has resided there ever since, achieving success as a pasloralist- and business man. Ho has been a prominent member of the larmers' Union, and an activo county councillor. He was chairman of the Waikolui County from its inception in 190S, until lie resigned the other day, He owns two lino properties in tho Gisborno district, where lie resides, having been for many years a near ncghbour and [ personal friend of Sir .Tames Carroll. Ho I is a ready and forcible, but not a showy, speaker. TnE HON. J. COLYIN. The gift of a portfolio to Mr. James Colvin, member for Bailor, was rather a surprise to many, though it was claimed the other day that his acccptancc of tho difficult position of Chairman ol' Committees when his party was in difficulty about tho appointment, entitled him to consideration, lie lias filled that position for three years, and is personally liked , by both tides of the House. Ho. was . born in Ireland in 1817, .and after soma mining experiences in Australia and Otago, removed to the West Coast goldiiehis, whore, as a storekeeper, he follow- ; oil the fortunes of the goidseekers from j , place to place, lie entered public life as a member of the Buller County .Council in 1885, and has been chairman of tho j Wcstport Harbour Board, member of tho , 5 Nelson Education Board, and Mayor of .1 • Wcstport. Ho got into Parliament in 1 j. 1890 by defeating Jlr. I'. J. O'Hegan for , ! the representation of Buller, and has sat ' for tho same district ever since. _ Ho' . : shared tlis. duties, of Government Whip , with tho fate Mr. Alfred Kidd for three sessions.. His venerable aspect makes him 1 a notable figure in the Ilousb; but except ' when in tho Chair his voice has not of ; " -Into years been very often heard. ; THE HON. Dli. BUCK. j Dr. Peter H. Buck (To Itangiliiroa) was 3 born at Urenui. Taranaki, in 187!), and is ( . the quartcr-casto son ~of. a European . father and Maori mother. He was cdu- ' - cut eel at Te Auto College and Otago Uni- < 1 versity, where he graduated ill'medicine. j s He has been house surgeon at: tho llunc- ' - din Hospital and Medical Officer-to_ tho s Mnoris, He also sewed for a while in a I - like capacity in die Cook Islands. Tho ■ | :1 by-election following the death of Mr. ' S lioue Hoko enabled him to enter Pnrlia- - mcnt in 1900 as member for the Northern '• Maori District,'which he still represent". I He has all the fluency of the Maori, and ; II is equally at: homo addressing Parliament | J in good English or leading a liaka. 1 ■1 THE HON. T. BUXTON., : r Jlr. Thomas Buxton is a freeholder, and lias represented a rural constituency in ii South Canterbury since 1908. bis elee-- i i. torat-c, being recently renamed 'l'emuka. •. Ho is looked upon as one of the most mod- j s erate men of his nartv and a con'ristcut it opponent of Socialism. -j A DENIAL. ■ Mr. G. W. Russell yesterday,emphatic ■ J ally denied that ho ..was opposed to . the j o inclusion of Mr. Myers in : the new Cnb--0 met, and added that a statement which' , e .had been made, to that effect , was abso- j 1 lutel.v without foundation. ■■