POLITICAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 49, 16 July 1912, Page 4

POLITICAL.

A MILITANT MINISTRY.. The new Ministry should certainly know how to handle the defence question if military knowledge on the part of its members counts for anything. The Prime Minister has shouldered a musket,, while the Hon. James Allen holds the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and has commanded the Otago division of the New Zealand Garrison Artillery. The Hon. Heaton, Rhodes won ttte Queen's medal' and four clasps during the South Africaa war, and during the same campaign the Hon. P. M. B. Fisher was second in command of the 2nd Battlaion of the 10th Contingent, receiving a medal and clasp for his services. The rank of surgeoncaptain in the Te Ore Ore Mounted Rifles is held by the Hon. Dr. Pomare, while the Hon.'W. Eraser is a keen militaryenthusiast, and was born in India during the strenuous days of the Mutiny, his father being Captain Hugh Fraser, of the sth Madras Light Cavalry.

HEARTBURNINGS. The Parliamentary correspondent of the Auckland Star says:—"lnquiries amongst supporters of the new Government disclose heartburning in some sections of the party, as the result of Cabinet construction. Even at this early stage it is apparent that Mr. Massey'* troubles are just commencing: Whilst some members of the Reform party declare they are sinking all personal differences and aspirations in loyalty to their chief, signs are not wanting of keen disappointment, and in some cases resentment. The failure to provide representation o'f the West Coast of the North Is- | land is a source of comment, and this fact was mentioned by a prominent supporter of the new Government. In conversation with your representative, he expressed surprise that Taranaki's loyalty had not been rewarded. Another fact rankling in the minds of staunch party men is the inclusion of Mr. Fisher, not only because of his leasehold views, but also on account of his variegated career. A PAINFUL REFLECTION. \ The painful reflection in connection with the political position is that not one of the deserters from the Liberal party acted on political principles. Some wanted office, one satisfied a p«rsonal grudge, and one merely wobbled to what he thought was the strong side. With men of this type in its ranks it was inevitable that the Liberal party should be wending its way towards the cold shades of Opposition. Eltham Argus. '*"