MR M'GOWAN'S RETIREMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 18 August 1909, Page 70

MR M'GO WAN'S RETIREMENT.

EX-MINISTER'S EXPLANATION. i*Fbom Ova Own Correspondent.* AUCKLAND, August 9. Aji important statement was made by the Hon. James M'Gowan at Thames on Saturday, of which a report has only just reached Auckland. The occasion was a presentation made to him by Thames electors, and the ex-Minister let the cat out of the bag regarding his retirement from the Cabinet, making it evident that the Cabinet is by no means the happy family that Ministers constantly assert it to be. He said that he was pleased to have this opportunity of making the explanation. He had not been in. complete accord with all the acts of the Government during the last two years, and he had opposed some of the works carried out by the party. There had also been some elight disagreement between himself and one of the other memberi of the Cabinet v ith regard to a certain road. This, together with the fact that considerable difficulty arote at the time of the reconstruction of the Ministry, had induced him to inform the Piinie Minister that he was quite willing to s-tand aside if his doing so would be any assistance in bringing about a satisfactory settlement. This offer had been accepted, without any misunderstanding between between himself and Sir Joseph Ward. The moj-t cordial feeling ?till existed between them. With regard to his resignation ab member for Thames, this was brought about, continued Mr MGq^an, from the fact that as already staled, he was not in accord with all the policy of the paity, and while hife past connection with the party would in a measure have compelled him to vote with it on at least all critical occasions, he would have felt bound to openly criticise its action during discussions in the House. He would thus have been placed in a difficult position which would appeal- inconeistent, and this had induced him to send in his resignation.