MORE INDECISION

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 139, 4 February 1932, Page 2

MORE INDECISION

■ Tlie delay and indecision of the Government in filling the i two vacant portfolios of Agriculture and Mines, until recently j held by lVLr. D. Jones, provide an interesting commentary upoi | thc vaunted vigour of administration which was promised by j the Goalition at the general elections. Nine weeks ago, Mr. Jones was defeated at the elections, and ten days ago he resigned; in the meantime, two of the most important portfolios are without an administrator while the Government, or rather, the two Governments which are in our midst, are wrangling about the claims of party in the appointment of a successor to Ihe defeated member of Cabinet. The appointment has been very generally discussed in political circles and the general body of opmion has inclined to the belief that in order to preserve the status quo, a Reformer should be elevated to office. It would be a calamitous thing to disturb in any way the sensitive balance of portfolios between the two parties to the Goalition, although'it must always be remembered that the primary incentive always before this assembly of servants of the State is the welfare of the country. The Government has been told quite delinitely that a Reformer should receive the appointment and there would appear to be little doubt that in the fullness of time, a member of that party will be elevated to Cabine rank. Rut in the meantime, with an indecision which augurs ill for its future performances, the Government continues to leave two important portfolios unoccupied and to delegate the work de~ volving upon the Minister in charge of these departments to some other member of Gabinet. At a time like the present, every Government department should be administered with maximum efficiency and vigour; this is no time for indecision and procrastination.