The Daily News. MONDAY, MAY 24, 1915. BRITAIN'S NATIONAL MINISTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 296, 24 May 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, MAY 24, 1915. BRITAIN'S NATIONAL MINISTRY.

The break-up of the Liberal Cabinet in the Homeland and the formation of a coalition Ministry was one of the last things that would be thought possible at such a serious crisis in Imperial affairs. It is, however, the gravity of the situation that has rendered such a course not only advisable but politic. Ihe real meaning of the course pursued is that for the time being party divisions no longer exist, and the political leaders of the country have joined hands, hearts and intellects for the. one supreme object of presenting an absolutely united front in the prosecution of the war to a lilting conclusion. In times of crises in national and Imperial affairs British statesmen can and do rise to the occasion, and to-day they stand shoulder to shoulder animated with one ilcsire and one great object—the attainment of peace by crushing the power of German militarism —nor will they turn aside from their task until the work is done. The Home Government has been materially strengthened by the process of coalition, and though at first sight it i might seem inadvisable to change a Mill-1 ! istry at such a time of stress, the added strength and unanimity obtained more than justifies the exceptional means adopted. There appears to have, been friction at the Admiralty between Mr. Winston Churchill and Admiral Lord Fisher, caused, it is said, by the First Lord's autocratic methods, and that Lord Fisher demanded a new method of Admiralty administration. During a war'sueb as that oil which the Empire is now engaged, it is imperative that there shall be no conflict of authorities. Lord Fisher was recalled to the Admiralty on the outbreak of war in order that his fully recognised abilities as the foremost naval strategist of tile day might be of the greatest service to his eounlry in her hour of need. As a. statesman and administrator Mr. Churchill has gained a deservedly high reputation, but he has always been addicted to free lance methods. In ordinary times 110 harm would result therefrom, but in the hour of danger, when the very existence of the Empire is at stake, the tendency to take a lone hand in directing such a vitally important. branch of the service as the Navv is likely to bring about » disaster that might seriously affect the issue of the war. Had Mr. Churchill possessed tlie experience of Lord Fisher in naval warfare and tactics the unfortunate position could not have arisen, but he does not, therefore the sooner the friction was ended the better for the country. As the f.ohdon Times very iiptlv remarks, Mr. Churchill displayed admirable administrative ability before the war, and promptitude in mobilising the fleet. ITis ability is unquestioned but he lacks the practical experience and tactical genius of Lord Fisher. When two strong personalities are in conflict, trouble is near, hence the necessity for finding a modus vivendi so that Lord

Fisher's services should be retained. The j problem was solved by a unrulier of the j Ministers resign'"';? and bring n-plin-i-il by members of tlio Opposition lliiis creating a Xational Ministry the strongest combination that could possibly be obtained. That Mr. Asi|iiith will retain the premiership is only to be expected as he is undoubtedly the foremost statesman in the country, am! it is only fitting that Mr. Balfour who has for some time past been in close touch with the naval work should bold the ■portfolio of First Lord of the Admiralty. Amongst the other leaders of the Unionist party that have accepted office are Mr. Bonar Law (leader of the Opposition), Mr, Austen Chamberlain, Mr. 1". H; Smith, Mr. W. Long and Lord Derby. All these are well-tried men, most of whom have held high ollices under the Crown. Mr. Balfour has been Premier in two administrations, besides having

held other portfolios. Mr. Bonar Law lias had a meteoric career in politics, having established himself by a single' speech. He has filled the office of Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, and for some time past lias acted as Leader of the Opposition. Mr; Austen Chamberlain has held office as Post-master-General, Chancellor of the Kxchequer, Financial 'Secretary to the Treasury, and Civil Lord of the Admiralty. Mr. F. K. Smith is the author of several works on international law, and is also one of the best speakers of the Unionist Party. 110 lias not been, in the Cabinet, but has acted as Press censor, and later went to the front as major. Mr. W. Long was at one time Chief Secretary for Ireland. Tie has also been President of' the Local Government Board, and of the Board of Agriculture. The Earl' of' Derby, probably the weakest of the new Ministers, acted as chief Press censor during the .South African war, and he has held office a3 Postmaster-General, Lord of the Treasury, and (Financial Secretary to the War Office. The re-arrangement of tlio portfolios of those members oij the Liberal Cabinet that will still retain office does not appear to be finally settled, but it seems probable that Lord Kitchener will now he relieved from administrative

work and take command at tin; front. Tie lias done splendid work at Hie War Ofiice and put the war machine in tliorough order, and now is the time for his military genius and inspiring personality to be utilised to the fullest at the front. Outside the Admirally and War Office Mr. Churchill will ably fill any other office in the Government, but the suggestion to place Mr. Lloyd George in control of the War Office is somewhat risky. It is rumored that Mr. Lewis TTarconrt may be given the high post of Viceroy of India in succession to Lord llardinge, whose term of office expires this year. In the early part.of last year there was a, very widespread movement in India in favor of Lord Hardinge receiving a furiher tenure of office as Viceroy, for both Lord and Lady Tfardinge hud gained the highest esteem of tile people of India, but, to the regret of all who knew her, Lady llardinge died in July Inst, and the subsequent loss of his son entirely altered mutters, so that ■Lord llardinge will return Home at the termination of his appointment. It will he seen that, regrettable as was the cause for the break up of the Cabinet, there should be much satisfaction at the turn events have taken. The mere fact that at this juncture Britain has a thoroughly National Ministry should create a feeling of confidence as to the issue of the war and engender that perfect trust in the administration of the Empire Mhieh is so essential to success. May we not also point out that the 'Premier of New Zealand might also learn a lesson from the event and bury the party hatchet so as to have a representative National Ministry here? The opportunity is present, the example is noteworthy, and all that is wanting is the courage to profit by it.