EVENTS LEADING UP.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 452, 30 March 1912, Page 5

EVENTS LEADING UP.

Visible developments in the political situation did not occur until the late afternoon. Shortly after four o'clock Sir Joseph Ward exchanged farewells with the heads of the State Departments. Immediately afterwards he set out fjr Government House, where he interviewed Lord Islington, handed in his resignation, and nominated the Hon. Thos. Mackenzie as his successor A brief period of quiet followed, during which some prospective Ministers were to be encountered drifting about in a somewhat aimless way. Towards eight o'clock events began to move rapidly. Again the members of the new Cabinet assembled at the Prime Minister's oflice in the Government Buildings, and spent some litt'e time there. A number of private secretaries visited the buildings, presumably to be introduced to their new Ministers. At 8.30 Mr Andrews, clerk of the Executive Council, came out, and set off tor Government House in a motor car. Half-an-bour later eight of the new Ministers emerged. Mr Colvin, the new Postmaster-General and Minister for Mines, and Mr Buxton were absent. Mr Macdonald honoured his elevation to Ministerial rank by appearing in an immaculate frock coat, but most of his comrades were content with more free and easy attire. SWEARING-IN CEREM 0N Y. The party of eight Messrs Mackenzie, Myers, Macdonaid, Hannan, Ell. Rus3ell, Laurenson, and Dr 'Buck —entered two waiting motor cars and set off for Government House to be SvVorn in. Notable as the occasion was, it attracted little public attention. The only onlookers who witnessed the departure of the new Cabi net were a few messengers and a solitary reporter. At about ten o'clock Sir Joseph Ward issued a valedictory statement to the people. THE ATTORNEY-GENERALSHIP. It is understood that the idea in leaving open the position of AttorneyGeneral and Leader of the Upper House is to keep open a place in the Ministry for Mr Wilford on his return from England. The important office of AttorneyGeneral. carries a aslary of £IOOO. The latest news regarding Mr Wilford's health has been very reassuring, and, as it has beer, felt that he would have certainly had a portfolio if he had been on the spot, the probabilities are that he will be offered the portfolio, with Mr Sidey as an alternative if he doeg not accept. MR WITTY REFUSED A PORTFOLIO. Christchurch, Friday. Mr Geo. Witty was invited to join the Ministry, but declined. Surprise is expressed locally at the number of Canterbury Ministers, but the reception of the announcement on the whole