Probable Reconstruction of the Ministry.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 292, 6 December 1902, Page 1

Probable Reconstruction of the Ministry.

The Lyttelton Times, which is one of the most consistent supporters in the colony of the present Government, writing of the necessity for a reconstruction of the the Cabinet says:—“We have been practically promised a reconstruction of the Cabinet, and it is understood that this very necessary work will be accomplished before the meeting of Parliament. Reconstruction, however, must be real, and not merely formal. It must be undertaken with due regaid' to the claims of the progressive section of the Liberal party, and of the young and able men who have served their apprenticeship in the ranks. Mr M’Nab, of course, has alreadybeen mentioned in this connection, and as a strong progressive Liberal, capable and experienced politician, and a cautious but courageous advocate, his selection would undoubtedly be acceptable to the party. The names of Mr Millar, Mr Fowlds and Mr Laurenson. again, will at once occur to those who have watched the work of Parliament at all closely. But it is not our business to nominate candidates for the Ministry, and our present intention is only to insist on the necessity for a real reconstruction, a reorganisation that will affect the policy as well as the personnel of the Government, Obviously, if tbe wishes of the Liberals in Parliament and in tbe country are to be given effect to, tbe infusion of new blood into the Ministry must be accomplished by some expansion of its ideas. If the new members are to exercise no influence in that direction, the reconstruction will be a mere pretence. The leaders of the party, if they are wise, will cease to ignore the growing dissatisfaction of the country with the idea of one-man or two-men government. Mr Seddon, personally, occupies just as warm a place as ever in the hearts of the people, and the people, as we have seen, are not slow to recognise his splendid services, but he cannot shut his eyes to the fact that an unmistakable demand has arisen for the representation- in the Cabinet of the broader ideas and more progressive principles that have found favour in all parts of colony. Nor should he longer ignore the need for certain reforms in administration.”