The Daily News. FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1920. THE CABINET.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 March 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1920. THE CABINET.

The announcement made by the Premier on "Wednesday relative to Cabinet reconstruction will cause no surprise. The two new Ministers selected—Messrs Lee and Parr—are men of average talent. Their main qualification for Cabinet rank consists of one representing the North and the other the South Island. Apparently the Ministry willbeeharacterisedbyperfect harmony, and the whole onus of initiative will rest on Mr. Massey, who has seven departments under his eontrol, and proclaims that he is not over-worked. Strong as he is physically and mentally, in view of the fact that in losing Sir Jas. Allen he has parted with the only member of his Cabinet who was of real assistance in the Government of the Dominion, when he comes to shoulder practically the bulk of the business of the country there will be grave fears of a collapse. Loyalty to his venerable colleagues—Sir ¥n. Hemes and Sir Francis Bell—has evidently induced Mr. Massey to smooth the way of their retirement, so that instead of dispensing with their services and infusing more new life into the Administration, these Ministers have been asked to remain at their posts, a course that is certainly not in the best interests of the country. The most important portfolio, outside those held by the Premier, is that of Public Works, which has been conferred on Mr. Coates. This appointment would certainly appear to indicate that, as Finance Minister, Mr. Massey will be the power behind the Minister for Public Works, for it goes without saying that the policy of that Department will entirely depend on the amount of money allocated thereto. It is generally conceded that, although no expenditure which does not directly. tend to help production should be authorj ised, a very large amour-t of money will be required if the country is to progress on sound lines of development. Durable roads, necessary railways, a comprehensive national scheme of h.vdi'o-electrical- power, land set-

tlement, housing, education, research work to aid new and well established industries, as well as a nurhber of other urgent needs, demand liberal recognition by the Treasury, involving loans to a considerable amount. Expenditure of this nature is justified because it is productive; it is urgent for the same reason, and it is necessary because the prosperity of the country is involved, besides which every private and national interest will be served thereby. Few people will envy Mr. Coates his task of nominally controlling publie works. Had there been at Mr. Massey's disposal a financial genius among his P,arty who could have been entrusted with the portfolio of the Treasury, then Mr. Massey could have undertaken the office of Minister for Public Works, but by restricting his Ministers to old members of his Party he lias no alternative but to handle the purse strings himself. The danger arising from the re-con-stituting of the Cabinet on the lines indicated by Mr. Massey is that arising from bureaucracy—an ever-growing evil. Manifestly the heads of Departments will have matters to their own liking when administratively weak Min isters hold portfolios with the result that progress will be retarded. The public must hope for the best, and members on both sides of the House will need to keep a ceaseless vigil in order to checkmate control by departmental officers instead of by Parliament. The Premier has a good working majority, but the necessities of the time impose heavy obligations on the Government. There has never been such a time as the present when the best brains of the country were needed in the Cabinet. No doubt the new Ministers will do the best they can. At the same time, judging from their past service in the House it is scarcely to be expected that either of them will rise above mediocrity. They have the chance of proving their metal, and it is to be hoped they will make good. Over what would happen if Mr. Massey succumbs to the excessive strain, it would be well to draw the veil, though the contingency is one that may arise at any time. The Premier would certainly be well advised not to attempt straining his great strength, which cannot but be severely taxed under the most favorable circumstances.