THE VACANT PORTFOLIO.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 24, 29 January 1891, Page 2

THE VACANT PORTFOLIO.

MR CADMAN BECOMES NATIVE MINISTER. MEETING OF THE AUCKLAND MEMBERS. (BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.) Wellington , , this day. The fepling in tho lobbies last night was ouo of satisfaction when it became known that Mr A. J. Cadrnan, member for the Thames, iKid accepted the vacant portfolio, lie has hoc often been heard in debate, but for years he has been a most consistent supporter o v f the presejib (iovernmont party. He is quiet and unobtrusive in inanner,and consequently has fovr if any political enemies. The ofier of the portfolio to Mr Cad man was therefore conj sidered by members on both sides of the House to be very jjjdiciaus, for besides bis persona! qualities no has the reputation of possessing good administrative capabilities. Yesterday afternoon Mr Ballance sent for Mr Cadman and offered him a scat in the Cabinet with the portfolio of Minieter for Native Affairs. As I wired to you yoeteiday, Mr Cadman asked time to consult other Auckland members. This COUI'SO met with tho approval of the Premier. Consequently,, a meeting of a portion of tho Auckland members was held iato in the afternoon. There were present in addition to Mr Cadman, Messrs Lawry, I Buokknd, T. Thompson, R. Thompson, Houston and Goldie. Mr Mitchelson sent r« note regretting he could not attend. Mr

Cadman explained the position of matters respecting the vacant portfolio. There were, ho said, several candidates in the field for it, and it had been offered to him, The course he had adopted in calling liis friends together anil asking members' from both sides of the House whether ha shoufd accept the portfolio was an unusual one, but ho felt that ho would not care to accept the position unless he could make hitf voice felt in the Cabinet as the representative of Auckland as a whale, and not merely the district for which he was elected. He was quite prepared if the expression of feeling were in that direction to u'ive way to some other member, or ho would bo quite willing to μ-ive place to a city member. Some discussion followed this explanation, and Mr Gadmun was congratulated on t.ha offer of a seat in the Cabinet. Mr Buckland, though i:ob a supporter of the Government, expressed the opinion that the appointment of Mr Cadman would be satisfactory to Auckland people and members. Ultimately, on the motion of Mr Lawry, seconded by Mr Euckkiud, the resolution was passed advising Mr Cadman to accept the portfolio. Mr Cadman, in expressin-sr his acknowledgments, said that in regard to local matters lie would do what he could to assist members from his district without any regard to the party to whichthey belonged.

There is one feature of this appointment which is worthy of remark, is lias bean noticeable all through that. Mr Caciman has not been a seeker of office, and when Mr Ballance first undertook the task of forming a Government, Mr Cadman left him a freehand, assuring bins that he had no desire to take office, and telling him not to allow any claims Mr Ballance might think he had on the Rarty to influence him in the selection of tha best man.