THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

PORTFOLIOS ALLOTTED

STATEMENT BY MR MASSEY,

BY TELEGRAPH— PER PRESS ASSOCIATION-

WELLINGTON, Aukust 6. Shortly before 6 p.m. Ministers returned from the swearing in cercrrione at Government House; and Mr Massey announced the constitution of the National Cabinet as follows :— Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister with the portfolios of Lands and Labour. He also retains several less important departments including Industn'es and Commerce and Electoral. Hon Sir Joseph Ward, Finance and Postmaster-General. Hon J. Allen, Defence. i Hon. Dr. McNab; Justice and Marine. Hon. G. W. Russell, Internal Affairs, Hospitals, ; Public Health, Government Printing Office. Hon. W..H. Herries, Railways, and Native Affairs. Hon. A. M. Myers, Customs, Munitions and Supplies. Hon. .A. L. Herdinan, AttorneyGeneral, Prisons and Stamps. [ Hon. W. S. Mac Donald, Mines and Agriculture. j Hon. W. Fraser, Public Works. Hon. J. A. Hanan, Education and Immigration. Hon. Sir Francis Dillon (Bell, Leader of Legislative Council. Hon. Dr. Pomare, represents the Native race in the Executive and is in charge of Cook Islands. Hon. Mr Massey stated that Hon. Sir Francis Bell and Hon. J. A. Hanan were hon. Ministers. MR RHODES'S RETIREMENT. Speaking of the retirement of Hon. R. H. Rhodes, Mr Massey said thatj he thoroughly appreciated the generosity of Mr Rhodes in coming forward and placing his resignation in his hands in order to facilitate the formation of a National Cabinet. He parted with Mr Rhodes, so far ps his Ministerial position was concerned, with sincere regret. Although Mr Rhodes had no ambition, to 'fill pages in Hansard he did not make a great noise. Having seen his work for the last three years he had no hesitation in saying that he (Mr Rhodes) was one .- of the best administrators of the Public Department the country ever had. Everything he took in hand he did thoroughly and well.