THE CABINET VACANCIES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2373, 14 December 1908, Page 5

THE CABINET VACANCIES.

POSSIBLE APPOINTMENTS

Referring to Wellington rumors that ill* T. Mackenzie’s appointment as a Minister is a certainty, and' that Mr Laurenson’s promotion is more than likely, the “Lyttelton Times” remarks that there would bo, after all, nothing very surprising in the appointment of Mr Mackenzie as Minister of Agriculture, or even as Minister of Lands. It is true that he has only (lately definitely entered the Liberal fold, and that bis views on the land question have not been entirely in accord with the Liberal policy, but his disposition lias always been towards the progressive side of politics, and no one doubts the sincerity of his present professions. If he could he trusted to give a wholehearted support to the main features of the Liberal land policy there would be no very serious objection among the rank and file of the party, at any rate, to his admission to the Cabinet. The two features of the policy which the party must insist upon are the renewable lease in respect to settlement lands, and the inviolability of the national endowments. It owes this much to itself and to posterity. The demand for the freehold ought to be more than satisfied by the optional tenure that is granted in the ease of Crown lands and Native lands, and by the large areas of private lands that are being brought into the market. If Mr Mackenzie is sound on these points there is no reason at why his claims should not be considered in the reconstruction of the Cabinet. He possesses a wide knowledge of rural affairs, and of general polities, is tactful, industrious, and courageous. and enjoys a very large measure—of popularity. As for Mr Laurenson, he could not be ignored, of course, if an appointment were made from among the Canterbury members. He has rendered signal service to the party in the House and oil the platform, and has never deviated by a •hair’s breadth from sound Liberal principles. It would be a mistake in the present temper of the country t-o entrust a town member with tlie portfolio of Lands, but there are other responsibilities which Mr Lauremson might hear with great credit to himself and advantage to the Dominion.