MR HOGG RESIGNS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3220, 18 June 1909, Page 5

MR HOGG RESIGNS.

SEOTEL TO SATURDAY'S . SPEECH. STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER. NO BITTERNESS OVER THE ISSUE. REDISTRIBUTION OP PORTFOLIOS. HON. MR CAKROLLTO BE ACT-ING-PREMIER. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 17. Hon. A. W. Hogg, Minister for Labour, has resigned from the Ministry as the outcome of his speech last Saturday. Interviewed by a "New Zealand Times" representative, to-night, relative to Mr Hogg's resignation, Sir Joseph Ward said the established Parliamentary practice both in England and throughout the Englishspeaking countries renders it necessary for any member of an administration who expresses opinions radically at variance with the policy of the Government to which he belongs to consider his relation to his colleagues, and in this case it was the duty of Mr Hogg to recognise that the views he expressed were opposed to the main lines of the Government's policy, and therefore his duty to place himself in the hands of his 1 leaders so that the Government as j « whole should not be embarrassed by his continuing a member of the Cabinet. This practice, which has been followed in England almost without exception during the last century was recognised by Mr Hogg. who readily admitted that the views he had given expression to on Saturday last were inconsistent with [ the main principles of the policy of | the present Government, and that he was bound therefore to place, if J asked, his resignation in the hands j of the head of the Government. ■

"This course Mr Hogg took in the friendliest spirit, and I have received his resignation in the circumstances stated, with the very gieatest regret. As regards Mr Hogg himself, I entertain, and always have entertained, not only the highest admiration for the courage with which he expresses his opinion, but for his sterling honesty and his devotion to the doctrines, from which although I differ, I admit he conscientiously entertains. To this, I may add, that I have always felt for Mr Hogg a very high sense of friendship, and the combination of these circumstances made our official separation one of tha deepest regrets to me. A regret tempered, however, by the fact that Mr Hogg has retired from my ".Cabinet without a suggestion of bitterness on his part, and I believe without any strain being placed on the friendship which for so many years w«j have mutually enjoyed. "Without in the slightest degree reflecting upon Mr Hogg's judgment, I am entitled to aay that his retirement was in itself regurded as necessary by the general opinion of my colleagues, and of our party as a whole. This opinion is not hostile to Mr Hogg personally, but is based, first, upon the grounds that the views expressed by him were radically inconsistent with the policy of the Government, and, secondly, upon the ground that being held by a responsible Minister of the Crown they would seriously embarrass, if not imperil, the future financial position, and operations of New Zealand, not so much perhaps in this country itself as in Great Britain. "It is unnecessary for me to add that attaching to my office there are responsibilities, the discharge of which, although painful and unpleasant, become imperative when the welfare and interest of the country demand it.

"The course taken has been adopted by me after the most anxious and painful consideration, and in view of my personal friendship for Mr Hogg with extreme i*eluctance." Later.

The Prime Minister informed the Press, this evening, that°during his j absence the Hon. James Carroll will be Acting-Prime Minister, and will administer, in addition to his present Departments, the Government Insurance and Public Trust Offices. The Hon. J. A. Millar, in addition to his present Departments, will be Acting-Minister of and will also hold the portfolio of Labour, as well as having the administration of the Government Printing Office.

The Hon. Geo. FowJds will take the portfolio of Minister of Customs and will be Acting-Minister of Defence. The Hon. Dr. Findlay will be Act-ing-Postmaster-General and Minister of Telegraphs. The Hon. Buddo will be ActingMinister of Lands, and will also administer the Lands for Settlement, and the Hon. Mr McKenzie will be Minister in Charge of Roads and Bridges.