COMING APPOINTMENTS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1925, Page 4

COMING APPOINTMENTS

AY ELLINGTON, Nov. 26

Political prophets are still exercising their arts concerning the future of the Government, especially in thie matter of reconstruction. The retirement of several (Ministers is prophesied, and it is also predicted that there will he a fairly extensive shuffle of portfolios. The leadership of the .Legislative Council is one of the positions now vacant. Sir Francis Bell is definitely retiring, and will be leaving the Dominion for a time. Sir Heaton Rhodes had been mentioned as a probable successor, and lii.s recent appointment to the Legislative Council gave a touch of colour to that probability. It is recognised, however, that the leadership of the Council requires a man with certain qualities and qualifications that are not possessed in any marked degree by the present Minister of Defence. Knotty political and legal problems constantly arise, and they must be faced and solved promptly. For this reason, the leader of the Council should possess not only a legal mind, hut a legal training of first-class type. It is predicted that tho leadership of the Legislative Council will he offered to Sir .John Findlay, K.C. Sir John has most of the qualities that should make for success in that position, and he would he a tower of strength to the Government in the Council, which is not strong on the technical and legal side. Tt is expected that the high office ol Chief Justice will become vacant at the end of the year. The prophets agree that Mr C. I*. Skorrett, K.C., will lie elevated to the Bench and to the Chief Justiceship. It i- understood that the position of General Officer Cominaning the New Zealand Forces, which became vacant owing to the death of .Major-General Melville 11 few weeks ago, will not he filled until the Cabinet has been reconstructed. In the meantime, the Chief of Staff, Colonel Burgess, lias been appointed to the position ol temporary General Officer Commanding.