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Hokitika Guardian, 22 January 1926, Page 2

The Cabinet as reconstituted, it will be seen, still contains Sir F. I). Bell as Minister of Internal Affairs, HOll. D. H. Guthrie, member of the Executive, without portfolio. and also HOll Sir Heaton Rhodes, as a member of the Executive. Mr Guthrie’s position is a. recognition for services rendered the party, for Air Guthrie is unfortunately a very sick man his health breaking clown under the strain of office some considerable time ago. The action of the Prime Minister in the circumstances is therefore very generous; so also is it with regard to Sir Heaton Rhodes retaining executive office. With regard to Sir Francis, he is to go Home very 1 shortly, and will represent New Zealand at the next meeting of the League of Nations. He might also he the New Zealand representative pit the next Imperial Conference, and to give him the fullest standing on both occasions, lie retains his Ministerial rank. That also is very considerate of the Prime Minister, hilt in his present reign of complete power. Air Coates can do no wrong in the eyes of hi.s followers, particularly when such stalwarts as those referred to who have given such generous service to party and country, are the recipients of the good things handed out hy the head of the Government. When it is considered that Sir James Parr is the next 011 the list for the High Comniis.sionership. and that ho will he promoted very shortly to that office. and

that important portfolios such pits Finance and Public Murks are held pro tern, it will he considered that though the Cabinet is complete in personnel. it is still far short of settled stability. This is not at all satistory. There lias been ample respite for the Government to he fully and finally settled in office, and it would he cx|x‘rted that ere this the new team would ho busy preparing for a useful session of Parliament. With so many important portfolios held temporarily, legislative work is sure to he backward. and we shall have a good deal of make-believe, we fear, in the next session. This comes of the huge majority the Government has, ami the kick of a sufficient spur to keep the Ariuistry in the working collar. However, the voice of the people has been responsible for the situation, and in that circumstance the ldame is not entirely upon the Government, hut if

"mine advantage is taken of the position rea- tin 11 will he inevitable to. the •'•a riii of the Government.