WELLINGTON NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1920, Page 4

WELLINGTON NOTES

(Our Special Correspondent). the reconstructed cabinet. NEWSPAPER CRITICISM, WELLINGTON, May 17.

The “Evening Post” which sees as much of the political game as do the rest of the lookers-on, frankly confesses itself disappointed with the reconstructed Cabinet and hopeless of finding a better one in the present Parliament. It thinks Mr Massey, with the Prime Ministership, Railways and Finance loaded “beyond his personal capacity”; Sir William'Homes out of touch with the public; Mr Guthrie and Mr Nosworthy “well known,” perhaps, as it is expressed, the unkindest cut of all; Or Pomaro a member that “may bo taken as read” ; aMr Lee, Mr Coates, Mr Parr and Mr Anderson untried, and Sir Francis Bell the only member of the team in whom the public may put full confidence. It is a discouraging outlook indeed, and the “Post” offers no suggestion fen- its improvement. Mr Massey’s Cabinet is merely “a poor sample of the mental calibre and public spirit of the country” and till the electors reform themselves and insist upon some equitable, system of representation they will have no right to expect anything better. GET TO WORK. The “Dominion” does not take the i gloomy view of the situation expressed by its evening contemporary, but it does not wax enthusiastic over the Cabinet Mr Massey has got together. It thinks Mr Anderson has earned his promotion, and accepts him as a man of progressive ideas who should, make a sound and care, ful administrate]-. It also welcomes the pdomotion of the member for Mataura as “giving additional representation in the South Island in the Ministry.” Its chief desire, however, is that the eminent should get to work and deal effectively with the various problems' that'are calling out for its attention. But Mr Massey’s trouble is to find in the ranks of his own supporters men of proved administrative ability, and probably it will be some time yet before he can unload on to one ol his colleagues part of the groat burden lie has taken upon himself and so be free to concentrate on a constructive policy.

RAILWAY TROUBLES. It is said that the tribunal appointed to deal with the dispute between the Government and tlie A.S;R.S. is makinggood: progress towards what premises to be a settlement satisfactory to both parties. Tf this means anything at all, it means the Government is not proving obdurate towards the demands ol the men and is approaching the whole matter in a conciliatory' spirit. The consideration of the c-ffse of the E.F.C.A., which cannot be commenced till the ■ negotiations with the other branch'of tlie service are concluded, may present greater difficulties. The men still are showing a very -determined spirit, and unless the Government is prepared to concede the major part of their demands further trouble may ensue. They made this quite clear at the time the “strike” was suspended and, as far as can be judged, they have not modified their attitude since. , RISING PRICES.

Mr Massey has diet the stories in regard to impending increases in the prices of butter and sugar with a statement to the effect that the Government lias in hand arrangements for ensuring supplies of butter for some months at only a slight advance upon the present price, and that sugar will be supplied at a figure which, considering all the circumstances, should be considered very reasonable. This should allay some of the anxiety that has been felt by housewives concerning these commodities, and there is a feeling throughout the community that the prices of some of the' other “necessaries” are more likely to decline than to advance. Meat certainly ought to be cliea.per .and even some lines of plain clothing can be bought for less to-dav than they could be two or three months ago.