THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. MONDAY, NOV. 30, 1908. THE VACANT PORTFOLIOS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 111, 30 November 1908, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. MONDAY, NOV. 30, 1908. THE VACANT PORTFOLIOS.

The question of filling the vacancies in the Cabinet due to the retirement of the Hon. Hall-Jones and the Hon. McNab, is being freely discussed, and the names of all the _eligibles for the vacant portfolios have been mentioned in turn. Mr W. T. Jennings, member for this dsitrict, whose name has been mooted for some time as a possible minister, is being strongly backed for the position of Minister . for Lands. The claims of Mr Jennings for the position are undoubtedly strong, and apart from the fact that the two retiring Ministers are South Island representatives, there is every reason why the Portfolio for Lands should be held by a settlement in the North is proceeding at a great rate, and it is highly essential that ministerial qualifications should include a thorough knowledge of settlement conditions. So much depends upon ministerial knowledge and interest in this respect that it is hard to conceive of a satisfactory appointment other than a North [siand country member. In addti ion, the Native land question is so closely associated with that of settlement that thorough conception of the position is impossible to any but those who have been brought closely into touch with the matter. The difficulties of the Government in this connection are bound to assume greater dimensions as settlement progresses, and the necessity for statesmanlike action, phased a thorough knowledge of surrounding conditions, is the only thing which will avail to prevent widespread dissatisfaction. Of the Government supporters, ;Mr Jennings is clearly the one who has the requisite knowledge to fit a Minister to deal with these matters, and this, combined with the indefatigable energy and attentoin to parliamntary duties, which has been such a conspicuous feature of his political career, stamps the claim of our member to the position, as worthy of every consideration.