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Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1928, Page 2

Ministers of the Crown are busy spending a very liberal allowance of their time in the Jforth Island. Ministers are very rare birds in the South Island these times. The fact that this

is election year may have something to do with the adjustment of locations. The North Island is the stronger in voting power, and the experience at the Raglan election may have impressed the members of tho Government with the feeling that all is not too well politically with the Reform prospects in the North Island. The Fanners or Country Party appears to he growing in strength in that quarter, though very little is heard of the organisation in the South Island Candidates for the North Island in several prominent constituencies are being selected, including the reshuffling of seats by the recent revision of electoral boundaries. The situation is therefore one for some concern for the Prime Minister and his colleagues, even though there may not lie Sis yet a distinctive leader in prominent Upposition likely to capture the public favour. It seems to be genef.-.lly accepted that Mr Coates’ leadership and statesmanship are at fault, and he Has lieon criticised severely even liv his own press and followers. On the other hand there is not another Richmond is the field seriously to challenge his leadership. But though this is so the increase of discontent abroad cannot Ik.' ignored and with his beaming personality Air Coates is doubtless endeavouring to make liis personal position more secure A matter of political interest is the tilling of the Cabinet vacancy. hub this is delayed for some reason. The inherent strength of the Government is not the cause of the delay in announcing the appointment, which it is fully exported will go to a North Island member, :iu<! Air Hockley’s name has been closely associated with the post. The selection, in its final phase might have .something to do with the presence of so many -Ministers in the northern part of New Zealand—hut certainly it is delayed unduly, as the important Department of Internal Affairs is being directed by an acting Minister, who at me moment is out of the Dominion, visiting the Islands. The general outlook suggests there is likely to lie more direct interest in politics in the immediate future. The newlv organised party has lieon meeting in camera in AVellington this week, and something interesting may he heard from that quarter. The possibilities in that direction probably accounts for the official opposition liyhernaling at the present to await likely development. Mr Coates and his colleagues are not so indifferent however, and where party interests appear to lie at stake there they are in person endeavouring to consolidate the position. The political game as it, is being played now suggests more vigorous play in the near future when forces are being marshalled for the real testing time In come.