SIR FRANCIS BELL

Hokitika Guardian, 17 December 1924, Page 4

SIR FRANCIS BELL

• AXA'CI'A'C'ES KAHLY RKTIIMiAIEXT. WELLINGTON, December 10. Sir Francis Moll. Attorney-General ami .Minister of External Affairs, referred to a luncheon to the Samoan chiefs to the possibility of his early retirement from the Cabinet. This has been regarded for some time as probable, but circumstances made it difficult to the Government, in record to the leadership of the Legislative Council, in case of Sir Francis Hell's retirement, which was, therefore, delayed. Speaking at to-day’s luncheon. Sir Francis, after indicating that New Zealand’s administration of Samoa appeared to he meeting with the approval of the Samoans, and could be recorded as a success, said that in one respect the Dominion had failed, this being in the absence of a Government steamer equipped for trade between the islands. There had been enormous difficulty in re<rard to regular transport hut he thought the difficulties ol the Xew Zealand Treasury had practically vanished, and lie believed it would not he lone before the Government obtained the approval of Parliament to make provision for this absolutely necessary service. ‘•Mine is an interesting portfolio.” continued Sir Francis, ‘‘and it will not he lone before it passes into other hands. ft is full of possibilities, and f hope it soon will he entrusted to a younper mail with more enterprise and initiative.” He added that lie would like before giving u]j control of the External Affairs Department to see the obligation fulfilled of providing n steamer for service in the Samoan group.