MR HOGG RESIGNS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 462, 19 June 1909, Page 3

MR HOGG RESIGNS.

SEQUEL TO SATURDAY’S

SPEECH

STATEMENT BY THE

PREMIER

REDISTRIBUTION OF PORT-

FOLIOS.

HON. MR CARROLL TO BE ACTING-PREMIER.

Hon. A. W. Hogg, Minister for Labour, has resigned from the Ministry as the outcome of his speech last Saturday. Interviewed relative to Mr Hogg’s resignation, Sir Joseph Ward said the established Parliamentary practice bo(th in England and throughout the English speaking countries render it necessary for any member of an administration who expresses opinions radically at variance with the policy of the Government to which he belongs to consider his relation to his colleagues, and in this case it was the duty of Mr Hogg to recognise that the views he expressed were opposed to the main lines of the Government’s policy, and therefore his duty to place himself in the hands of his leaders so that the Government as a whole should not be embarrassed by his continuing a member ot the Cabinet. This practice, which has been followed in England almost without exception during the last century was recognised by Mr Hogg, who readily admitted that the views he had given expression to on Saturday iast were inconsistent with the main principles of the policy of the present Government, and that he was bound therefore to place, if asked, his resignation in the hands of the head of the Government.

‘ ‘This course Mr Hogg took in the friendliest spirit, and I have received his resignation in the circumstances stated, with the very greatest regret. As regards Mr Hogg himself, I entertain, and always have entertained, not only the highest admiration for the courage with which he expresses his opinion, but for his sterling honesty and his devotion to the doctrines, from which although I differ, I admit he conscientiously entertains.

;< I am entitled to say that his retirement was in itself regarded as necessary by the general opinion of my colleagues, and of our party as a whole. This opinion is not hostile to Mr Hogg personally, but is based, first, upon the grounds that the views expressed by him were radically inconsistent with the Government, and, secondly, upon the ground that being held by a responsible Minister of the Crown theyvwould seriously embarrass, if not imperil, the future financial position, and operations of New Zealand, not so much perhaps in this country itself as Great Britain.” The Prime Minister informed the Press, that during his absence the Hon. James Carroll will be Acting-Prime Minister, and will administer, in addition to present Departments, the Government Insurance and Public Trust Offices.

The Hon. J. A. Millar, in addition to his present Departments, will be Acting-Minister of Finance, and will also hold the portfolio of Babour, as well as having the administration of the Government Printing Office.

The Hon. Geo. Fowlds will take the portfolio of Minister of Customs and will be ActingMinister of Defence.

The Hon. Dr. Findlay will be Acting - Postmaster - General and Minister for Telegraphs. The Hon. Buddo will be ActingMinister of Bands, and will also administer the Bands for Settlement, and the Hon. Mr McKenzie will be Minister in Charge of Roads and Bridges.