THE LATEST.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 23, 28 January 1891, Page 5

THE LATEST.

G OLDIE REFUSES A PORTFOLIO CADMAN MAY BE NATIVE MINISTER. GOVERNMENT STRONG ON RETRENCHMENT. (BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.) Wellington , , this day. Mr David Goldte haa refused to accept a portfolio in the new Government, and Mr Cadman will be appointed Native Minister if he chooses to accept the position. These are the only changes in the political situation this morning.

I have just seen Mr Goldio. Before he left Auckland he received a telegram from Mr Ballance asking him to meet him on his arrival, and hence the interview which took place at a Cabinet meeting to-day. Mr Balla'nco offered Mr Golclie a portfolio and he refused it absolutely. I understand MrGoldie's answar was to the effect that he had declared in Auckland that he would not ally himself to any of the present parties, but proposed rather to form one of an independent middle party, which would insist) on further necessary retrenchment, no further borrowing, repeal of the property tax, and the imposition of a land and income tax only if it were found that the revenue lost by repeal of the property tax could not be made up by further reduction in public expenditure. Mr Ballance concurred with Mr Goldie thab retrenchment was necessary and must be effected, and said the Government proprosed to go fully into the question, with the view of submitting proposals which he thought would be satisfactory. Personally he was very strongly in favour of further retrenchment.

Mr Goldie hinted thab he had strong doubts on this point, seeing that Sir Robert Stout, in one speech, had declared that the retrenchment made co far was not true retrenchment, but parsimony.

I believe that Mr Ballanca urged that he was not responsible for any speech made by Sir Robert Stout, and declared that both he and the party who were supporting him were very strong on this question of retrenchment, and for his own part he sympathised with the speech made by Mr Goldie on this subjecb last session.

Some further conversation took place,Mr Goldie finally saying that there were two difficulties in the way of his joining the Government. One of theeo was hie own business, which he could not neglect or leave for any great length of time, and the other was his platform utterances. Mr Ballance regreited that .Mr Goldie could not see his way clear to join him.

I hear that Mr Goldie unreservedly recommended that Mr Cadman be chosen, and said his selection would be acceptable to the Auckland members.

Mr Ballance said the portfolio to be given to the Auckland man was that of Native Minister. The Department was at present under his charge, but at present the work of this and other offices was too much, and numerous Maori deputations occupied a great deal of his time. At the time of wiring I understand the portfolio of Native Minister will be offered to Mi , Cadman, He is a fluent Maori speaker, and has a good grasp of native matters. Mr Cadman will not accept unless he sees a chance of carrying out the wishes of the Auckland people expressed at the elections. He intends to consult some other Auckland members, if portfolio is offered, before accepting it. It is quite expected the session will conclude next week. Mr Ballance, to-day, in communication with some of the supporters said the Government will have their policy ready in May. He favours the introduction of a land and income tax, and abolition of the property tax, and hopes to make proposals in that direction when the House meets again, Further retrenchment in public expenditure will also be part of the Govornment policy.. CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES. " Who shall be Chairman of Commit' tees?" is to be decided this afternoon. Some members will try to have the matter postponed for the present session, owing to its shortness, but the Government are pretty sure to force it on. Mr Hamlin seems to consider himself quite 014 of the running,