Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, MAY 17th, 1920. MINISTERIAL DIFFICULTIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1920, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, MAY 17th, 1920. MINISTERIAL DIFFICULTIES.

The Prime Minister still has a difficulty in completing his Cabinet. The Stratford election had a. disconcerting effect in that Mr Hine who was defeated, would have been a certainty for a portfolio. In lieu of Mr Hine, Mr Anderson, an Otago member has been placed in office. Mr Anderson like other lately appointed Ministers, is not -i strong Conservative. He has been awarded the charge of Internal Affairs a. Department of odds and ends, so to speak. It is likely that he will be made Minister of Labor also, Mr Anderson having some qualifications in that regard. Mr Coates due on the Coast to-day, will be the permanent Minister of Defence in succession to Sir James Allen now on route for London. Mr Massey still carries the burden of tit: Cabinet work in Finance and Railways Labor lias been appropriated temporarily to Mr Herries.: Mr Massey’s hands must be very full at this juncture because there is as yet no announcement as to the financial position at the euf of March. Heretofore it was customary to make an announcement regarding receipts and expenditure, and some indication of the probable dimensions of the surplus. The latter was expected to be substantial, and that nil announcement is not made yet would make it appear that the Minister is not able to go into the details of the posi tion with his officers and supply the customary authoritative statement- m the matter. Another indication of the difficulties of Cabinet is the fact that no Crown Minister accompanied the Prince of Wales to the Coast. Sir Win. Fraser, who holds the portfolio of Mines apparently by courtesy, is not regarded as a fiermanent-Minister. This gentleman was entrusted with the task of representing the Government in the. Royal tour in these parts. When tin Duke of York toured New Zealand the then Premier never left the Royal party, and in addition other Ministers found no difficulty in being in attendance. The Prince of Wales was allowed to do an important stage of the journey without- an important Minister of the Crown being with him. It is such a singular circumstance that the occasion seems to call for remark. There are evidently greater JCnbin'ct- difficulties than appear on the surface. Further, the public have now Hieen informed that Parliament will not be called together till the very latest date in June. When the elections were in progress Mr Massey made all sorts of statements about an early session being imperative. Those were saintly days when the patient was bordering on a collapse. The patient non- feels much stronger and there

is nothing of the saint perceptible. But the few weeks to the end of June will speed by quickly. Ere then Mr Massey must needs complete his Cabinet team ana have the portfolios definitely allotted. Also, the financial position must be laid bare and proposals for the year enunciated. Tncidentalle there are the internal troubles with the railwnymen and postal officials to 'arlinst. so that- the Ministerial difficulties for the next few weeks are not likely to be less complex than they have beep over the late months.