THE VACANT PORTFOLIOS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3063, 7 December 1908, Page 4

THE VACANT PORTFOLIOS.

MANY CLAIMANTS FOR MINISTERIAL RANK. A WELLINGTON FORECAST. Writing on the 3rd instant, the* Wellington correspondent of the "Auckland Star" remarks:—The presence of so many legislators in Wellington since the final verdict of. the electors on November 24th, is giving rise to much speculation as to : the filling of the two Ministerial vacancies. On all hands it is admitted that the Prime Minister has a troublesome task ahead of him in' satisfying the demands of the several' aspirants for Ministerial honours.: The political prophets seem to be ia general agreement as to the new Minister for Railways, Mr Millar having been marked out for that preferment right from the jump. In discussing the situation, the "Post" says: "The Lands portfolio, present* the greatest puzzle of all.. Two numbers whose names have l been associated with the vacancy,; Messrs W. T. Jennings and A. W. Hogg, are at present in Wellington. Mr T. MaeKenzie (Taieri) is also suggested as a possibility, but hisr allegiance to the present party only dates back a few months. His; chances, for these reasons, are largely discounted in some quarters, as he is a confirmed freeholder. Mr Jennings is an ardent freeholder, and Mr Hogg is just as ardent a leaseholder. Mr Jennings was particularly active in his opposition to the leasehold clauses of. the Land Bill of 1907, while Mr Hogg was just as enthusiastic in support of them. Mr George Laurenson (Lyttelton) also possesses a con--siderable backing, and, as be is tt strong leaseholder, many are disposed! to look upon his appointment as Minister for Lands as the best tip ofr! the day. This would leave the waj? open for Mr Jennings' appointment as Minister of Agriculture. It seems= clear that whatever the ultimate choice, the Premier wiM be subjected? to a good deal of criticism and not ai little hostility. The Government party includes within it's" ranks quitea number of men who have looked' long and lovingly on office. Half the ; members of the party are possibly convinced that they would make ideali Ministers. The Lands portfolio presents one of the biggest puzzles that Sir Joseph Ward will have to solve in the immediate future. If Mr Millar takes over the administration! of railways, he will, in all probability, drop tfye minor departments under his control. ■ With the Labour portfolio the names of Messrs H.. G. Ell and T. H. Davey have been) associated, but it is, of course, possible that Mr Millar may decide to retain the portfolio of Labour. The Hon. A. R. Guinness (Speaker) and Mr R. McKenzie (Chairman of Committees) are also mentioned as-, possibib .Ministers. The need for more Ministers has been urged bySir Joseph Ward on more than oneoccasion, and if the Hon. Jas. McGowan is given the Public Works portfolio, Mr Guinness is hinted at as the next Minister for Mines, fry the event of such a contingency, the Speakership might possibly go to Mr T. JE. Wilford. or Mr F. EL Baume (Auckland). It is freely stated that Mr R. McKenize's elevation to the Ministry is also a possibility. That would clear the way for Mr Baume's appointment a i Chairman of Committees. Whatever happens, there is bound to be a considerable re-arrangement in the. distribution of Ministerial work. The situation, altogether is au interesting; as well as a difficult one."

In regard to the foregoing, I will' be surprised if Mr McGowan gives up the portfolio of Mines. 1 have heard it said that Mr McGowan would', sooner retire from the Ministry than oe relieved ot supervision of the' Mines Department. If allotted the' portfolio of Public Works—a not unlikely contingency, seeing that he is now in charge o f the Department of and Bridges—it is reasonableto suppose that another Minister 1 would exercise control over theJustice Department, and Dr Findlay's name has been mentioned as hissuccessor. Mr R. McKenzie has been a tip for the Public portfolio, and according- to hisfriends, he would be a ffrst-dass man for the position, by reason of thepractical knowledge he has gained as a contractor. Objection to Mr Jennings' appointment has beenraised on sectarian grounds, but the - Premier is hardly likely to attach any weight to such representations when the question of fitness is to j be considered. When the Minis- -jM terial team is got together, I not expect to see either Mr GuinnegAHß or Mr Hogg one of them. TinTOHHH however, will tell. «Shß