The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 10, 1926. PROCRASTINATING.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 10, 1926. PROCRASTINATING.

Our Wellington correspondents are taking the Prime Alinister to task from time to time for his protracted delay in selecting the balance of the Cabinet members. On Saturday, in particular, the reference appeared to be distinctly critical of Mr Coates apparently Indicating the right lion, gentleman was falling from grace through his neglect to get this particular job done. Air Coates no doubt is quite unperturbed by the press criticisms. He must be feeling very secure on the box seat with his substantial majority—for after all, who is to displace him? Any change in the leadership during the life of the present Parliament would mean the disruption of the dominant party, and there is not much likelihood of any faction fight to that degree.' There

arc stories in the air or course that the Minister of Lands is one not adverse to the supreme leadership of the party, but these stories invariably gel abroad and are distributed mostly for misclxief-making. Air Coates has a greater hold on the people than Air McLeod can hope to have. The personality of the former seems to have appealed more to the people. Mr Coates therefore has the chance, to make good. As to the choice of his additional .colleagues, the delay is accounted for probably by the fact that there is not special or striking merit in any of the would-be candidates. It is safe to expect that the insular balance of power will he respected, so that the appointments will be distributed fairly as between tbe two Islands. This regard for an unwritten rule in the matter may have some hampering effect, but Ah’ Coates would hardly be checked by that. There is no occasion to pick and clioose with any nice regard for the feelings of the North or South Island. Air Coates will show his greatest sense by selecting the most useful colleagues, irrespective of where they are domiciled. He is supposed to have given some party offence by taking Mr Rolleston into the Cabinet, because, in his day. Air Rolleston was something of a thorn in Afr Massey's side. A’ei: Mr Rolleston is one of the promising members in Parliament, and was spoken of even as the possible leader of a fusion party, not so long ago. Afr Rolleston should make good, and in tbe House and out of it should bo a useful lieutenant to Afr Coates As far as can be guaged, Afr C'oales will draw bis further lieutenants from the farming section of tbe eligiblos, and of these Air David .Tones and Afr Tv. S. Williams appear to be the most likely pair. As time is getting on the mixed question must soon be settled now, and if Air Coates elects to please himself in tbe matter, the country will be pleased, because until be is tried out in Parliament lie will retain undisputed possession of the leadership of the country.