THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2312, 3 October 1908, Page 3

THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP.

POSSIBLE MINISTERIAL CHANGES.

LOBBY RUMOURS

The AVellington correspondent of tlio “Lyttelton Times” says:—When the Prime Minister announced the impending resignation of the High Commissioner (the Hon. AV. P. Reeves) he said l that at a latter stage in the session he would make an announcement in connection with the appointment of a new representative for the Dominion in London. No step would bo taken in that direction, he said, until the resignation of the present High Commissioner had been received. The Prime Minister has not referred to the matter in the House since that date, but members generally seem to regard the question of succession as settled. They believe that the Hon. William Hall-Jones will go to London at the end of this year to take up the duties of High Commissioner, and lobby gossip seldom suggests any other appointment. The suggestion lias been made that the Hon. Dr. Findlay, the present At-torney-General, might- take tlio appointment in London, but there is no ground for this rumour. The Attorn-ey-General will not taka thc_aj>r-^" rtJ ' 11! en t« or n. —famous oi er names -nave been mentioned in connection with the office, hut not one secures anv lobbv support. At present the Hon. AV.* Hall-Jones preserves a descreet silence on the subject. Putting aside the question of the Commissionership, the resignation of the Hon. A\ r . Hall-Jones after the general election is regarded as a certainty. The Minister is at present controlling tlie departments of Railways and Public AVorlcs, but his health is not nearly as good as liis friends would wish, and the House is satisfied that he will not carry the burden of office for another year. Any change in tho Ministry before the election would be most undesirable from the point of view of the Government and the Liberal party, because internal jealousies would disturb the party at once. The jealousies are not altogether absent now. It is assumed, therefore, that a new Minister will be required with the New Year. There seems to be some reason for believing ' that .two Ministers may be required, because the Prime Minister has stated definitely more than once that the present Ministers are overworked and: that- the b'urden and responsibility placed on their shoulders cannot be reduced. The old suggestion for the appointment of un-der-secretaries might be revived. Under the circumstances, lobby gossip has naturally been busy with the appointment of a new Minister, but it cannot be said to have arrived at any conclusion. The lobby takes it for granted that the new Minister, or one of the new Ministers, if two are appointed, will come- from Canterbury, Mr. G. Laurenson, member for Lyttelton, is generally mentioned first and his claims in the matter of force of character, administrative ability and debating nower are recognised. The obstacle in his way is that lie is regarded as one of the most Socialistic members of the House, and the Prime Minister shows a tendency to- stand away from the Socialistic section. The names of Messrs. Ell, Davey, and Buddo have been mentioned as alternatives. The Government, as far as can be gathered, has given no indication of its intention. A second Minister would come from the North, and there are several aspirants to the position. Mr. A. AV. Hogg, member for Masterton, can base -a- claim on seniority and loyal part- 7 service.