THE NEW MINISTRY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1487, 9 July 1912, Page 4

THE NEW MINISTRY.

The chief interest in the political situation at'the present time turns on the probable personnel of the new Ministry. Mr. Massey's task in making a selection is not an easy one, for the simple reason that he has amongst his followers many more men qualified for Cabinet rank than there are offices to be filled. Most people wlito follow political matters at all closely recognise that there are at least four mciubers who may be regarded us "certainties" provided they are in a position to undertake the duties attached to Miuietoria! office. Mji. Jamkb AtMW, for iuetauco, is ouc of these, Hα is

an old Parliamentarian, and as Mr. Massey's first lieutenant, has proved of great assistance in debate, and is especially strong on financial and defence questions. Mil. Herkies is another outstanding figure. There is no spunder member in Parliament on Native affairs, and he has specialised also in railway matters. Mn. Hekdman and Mr. W. Phaser are also regarded as certain to be offered portfolios, while it is taken for granted that Dn. Posiarb will be the representative of tho Native race. This totals six out of the ten members of tho Ministry, and provided that the gentlemen named can see their way to so arrange their private affairs as to give them the necessary freedom to attend to their Ministerial duties, they will probably all find inclusion in the new Government. Of the remaining four Ministers, one will be required to lead the Upper House, and in viow of the position in that Chamber at the present time, someone outside the present Legislative Council membership will most likely bo appointed. Presumably it will be someone with past Parliamentary experience. Of the remaining three, the general impression appears to be that the Senior Whip of the party, Mr. 11. H. Rhodes will bo one,; that Mn. F. M. B. Fisher will be another,, and possibly one of the remaining South Island members, or one of the North Island West Coast members will complete the total. Necessarily any Ministry formed by Mr. Massey must omit a number of merabors > whoso.personal merits and past services would entitle them to consideration. His task in making a selection, therefore, must prove an extremely difficult one, and ho is fortunate in knowing that he has behind him a following which places the interests of the party and the welfare of the country above personal considerations.