THE NEW MINISTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 323, 12 July 1912, Page 4

THE NEW MINISTRY.

THUMB-NAIL SKETCHES.

By Telegraph-Parliamentary Reporter, Wellington, Last Night. A good deal lias been written in the conventional style about the gentlemen who compose the Government which Mr Massey now controls. A few notes of a more liberal tone may be interesting Mr. Massey succeeded Sir Wm. Russell many years ago as Leader of the Opposi- , fir William had given members proof that he was not able to cope with the sledge-hammer tactics of Mr. Seddon, and the arrival on the scenes of a V bare-knuckle fighter like the member tor Franklyn was welcomed by those who were arrayed under the Opposition baniier. It is not generally suggested that Air Massey wears naturally the mantle of the late Mr. Seddon. Neither in virility, nor statecraft, nor personal magnetism does Mr. Massev compare with the man from the West Coast, who in 1803 succeeded Mr. Ballance, and a few short months later ran New Zealand as a dictator, and to whom all had to bow. But he has some of the qualities of the man to be succeeded after two short political generations. He is a fighter from way back, to use a figure of speecji. He is never tired of looking after the affairs of the House.' No one sits in the House more continuously than he. Very few have a cleverer grasp of affairs, the reason being that lie has kept a close eye ■ on affairs, not from the lobbies, but from his seat in Parliament. Perhaps he is too impulsive. It mav be that on occasions he lacks originality and discretion, but he has for years stood before the House as a breezy virile personality, who was more likely to fight prominently as an exponent of the art of destructive criticism than one born to lead a party winch had victory already achieved! Uearly, however, it is apparent that he is readjusting his political conceptions. Responsibility brings about the necessary change in the big men, and it looks as if Mr. Massey is big enough to rise to the occasion. He has a long way to go yet. Already there are signs that some of' his supporters are inclined to discuss in the spirit of unrest some of his appointments to Cabinet rank. That is inevitable, but a close acquaintance with the man gives the impression that he will be equal to all emergencies. Mr. J. Allen lias not had an uncheq- ' nered career of political stability. Some of the charges he made against' past administrations were proved—as far as a political charge ever can be 1 proved—to be unfounded, but his political record is clean. Not one unworthy action has ever been suggested against him. Not once has it been hinted that he did or said anything for personal gain, or from unworthy political motives. In reputation he stands high, and the worst that has even been said about him is that he was occasionally politically misled, and even * that was not proved. His knowledge of finance is undeniable, and his capacity and industry are generally acknowledged.' In betweenwhiles he is a courteous gentleman, and politics apart may be expected to fulfil the duties attaching to his portfolio with credit and ability. Mr. Hemes has been frequently referred to as the power behind the throne of the erstwhile Opposition. Under a genial personality he conceals a degree of ability, tact and political horse-sense that has not only made him one of the most popular members, but one who never spoke to empty benches, and as a rule he has for many*Iyears 1 years past commanded a full attendance whenever he seriously tackled any big subject. Mr. Herries is going to be a big man as long as the Government lasts. He has made a special study of railways and native affairs, and is well fitted for the portfolio that he holds. •

Mr. W. Fntser, who takes the portfolio ot Public Works and Mines, is one of the sanest members of the House. For years past his criticisms have been listened to with respect and attention by members of both sides of the House, and he may easily be reported as one of the solidest members of the Massey Government.

Mr. Herdman, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, is well-placed. As a lawyer, he occupies a prominent and welldefined position at the New Zealand Bar. As a member of the Opposition for many years, he was generally looked upon as one of the most destructive critics that Wellington has ever sent to the House. If anything, his fault is that he is more of the really conservative type than the majority of those with whom he is associated. Probably he would be the last to acknowledge the charge. Probablv, his more progressive colleagues will conduct him to a wider political gauge, but he is the one member of the new Government whose career will be watched with' close interest, because of the reason just stated. He is a clever debater, a man well versed in affairs, armed at all points, and full of fight. 'Mr. F. M. B. Fisher comes next. The only suggestion made against Mr. Fisher is that he may be the victim of heredity. His father, the late Mr. George Fisher, found it difficult to run in political harness, and left the Atkinson Government; owing to a disagreement. The present Mr. Fisher is a big man physically and mentally; a man who has suffered defeat and achieved victory in the strenuous life of athletics. Some years ago ha jumped five feet eight inches when he weighed fourteen stone, and he is well known as a champion in the tennis world. As a platform man he has a style that is insistent, and at the same time altogether charming. While hitting hard and vigorously he is outstanding as a. hard-hitter. He has an engaging manner that never fails to carry conviction, and it is generally considered that his inclusion in the Cabinet is largely a tribute to the valuable work he dd on the platform during and since the last electoral campaign.

Mr. H. D. Bell, K.C., Leader of th« Upper House, is a lawyer of Dominion reputation. As a member of the House some years ago he achieved the distinction of being a man whose lightest utterances called for the fullest consideration. On the platform he was a failure. As a critic he was of the best. He should prove a most valuable addition to the ranks of the Oovernment, if only for his legal knowledge, but he lias other qualities, and his life-long knowledge of New Zealand politics will undoubtedly, prove of the greatest value to his party.

Mr. Heaton Rhodes has never been regarded as a prominent politici.tn, but his consistency as a supporter of the Opposition, and his personal stability, have ensured his promotion to Cabinet rank. In the Boer War he did good service as a' soldier-leader. He will probably walk warily as Postmaster-General.

Dr. Pomnre .represents the native race. He knows a lot about things that concern the. Maori, more especially in regard to health matters. On occasion he may prove interesting.