THE CABINET.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 156, 30 December 1911, Page 5

THE CABINET.

DRASTIC CHANGES SUGGESTED. A SURPRISE FOR THE COUNTRY. Christehurch, December 28. Further reports of the proceedings at to-day's caucus are particularly interesting. It is gathered that there was a full, frank, and free discussion. There was a very general desire to avoid holding another election in. the near future, as it was felt that tire chances of the party would he very small if there was an immediate appeal to the country. The Prime Minister, it is said, took an extremely optimistic view of the position, and it seems that he impressed his views on the members of his party. The position of the Independent members was discussed, and it was felt that with their support the Government would be able to carry on in the meantime.

The opinion of the caucus was that the. Administration should .carry on, and call the House together in May or June. The end of the financial year is March 31, and in the event of an election being forced when, the House meets, the Government would' be able to go into the country with the Departmental figures for the year as election ammunition.

The constitution of the Cabinet was the subject of some talk, and there was a stroii? demand for drastic reconstruction. Rumour has it that the retirement of Sir James Carroll, Mr. Roderick McKenzie, and Mr. D. Buddo was suggested. The idea was that Sir James Carroll could he replaced by Mr. Ngata as Native Minister. Another portfolio could be filled' by Sir Arthur Guinness, who would retire from the Speakership. It is well known in political circles that the Speaker desires Ministerial rank, which would involve a more active political life than that which he enjoys as Speaker of the House. Mr. J. A. Ha.nan, of Invereargill, is mentioned as a possible successor to Sir Arthur Guinness. Mr. Hanan has been a member of the House for twelve years, and has on several occasions been in the running for Ministerial raalc.

The position of Canterbury members who may be expecting portfolios is a rather peculiar one. Mr. Laurenson and Mr. Ell are both mentioned' freely, and Mr. T. 11. Davey was spoken of as a possible Chairman of Committees. The opinion seemed to be that the Canterbury members would have to fight out the question of who was to go into the Ministry among themselves. The distinguishing feature of the caucus, however, was> the strenuous demand for Cabinet reconstruction.

' The exact nature of Sir Joseph Ward's announcement after he meets the North Island members of his party can only be surmised. It is fairly certain that he will state that the Government will carry on, but in addition to tnis there is to be an announcement that, according to one authority, "will surprise the country. This may deal with the question of reconstruction, or even the possibility of the Prime Minister's retirement from the leadership of the party. Some of the members do not conceal their opinion that the reconstruction of the Ministry must eventually, if not immediately, provide for the retirement of the Prime Minister.

It was felt that the illness of Mr. T. M. Wilford, and his consequent absence when the House meets, will further complicate the position. It was suggested that a pair might be arranged for, but nothing definite was stated.—Wellington Dominion. caucus of north island members: By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The North Island Government mem bers met the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, at his official residence to-night. The caucus was attended by the members of the Ministry at present in Wellington, and the following members of Parliament: Messrs. W. D. S. Mac Donald (Bay of Plenty), J. Vigor Brown (Napier), A. E. Glover (Auckland Central), R. W. Smith (Waimarino), V. H. Reed (Bay of Islands), A. M. Mvers (Auckland East), and A. Parata (Southern Maori). The caucus lasted for two hour s and a half.

At the conclusion, the Prime Minister, in reply 'to an inquiry by a reporter, said: "It was a privatfe conference, and I have no statement to make."

LESS LAWS. BETTER ADMINISTRATION. Christchurch, Last Night. Speaking at a complimentary social to Mr. G«o. Witty, M.P., tonight, Sir Arthur Guinness said if more members of the House had only been stamped with the same characteristics which Mf. Witty possessed the Liberal party would not be in the awkward position in which it stands to-day. They had a very difficult task to perform if they were to retain the Liberal party in the House for the next three years. He believed, however, that with the resource, tact, and ability that Sir Joseph Ward had shown in the. past, now that the time had come when their leader should show what he was made of, Sir Joseph would shape the party's course, and if the Liberal policy went in such a direction as to .retain the position he had held in Parliament for so many years past. The country had been prosperous under the rule of the Liberal party, and 1 nobody present could think that that prosperity was likely to be altered by the .pre sent party remaining in power for three years more. Other parts of the country seemed to think otherwise, but that was their mistake.

Mr. Witty said if the Liberal party was not beaten, and the other side had to prove that they were in the major ity, he believed that in the future the Liberal party should not make so many laws, but should see that the existing laws were carried out better. There must 'be a stronger and better adminis tration, and he .believed that they would have that in the future.

MR. GLOVER'S VIEWS. Auckland, Last Night. In consequence of certain statements made regarding his political position, Mr. A. E. 'Glover, M.P., was communicated with by telegram while on his way to Wellington by train. He replied: "I am true to my party, but if, unfortunately, our Government goes out of power, I would support Auckland's best interest and any legislation to elevate and promote the best interests of the masses of the people, whether from Mr. Massey or any other person."