INTERVIEW WITH THE PREMIER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 293, 11 December 1899, Page 5

INTERVIEW WITH THE PREMIER.

KE-ABRANG E-MENT OF PORTFOLIOS.

POSSIBLY TWO MINISTERS FOE

AUCKLAND,

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day

The Premier has been transacting business since his return at tho Ministerial residence. To-day he attended Government Building's and a meeting1 of the Assets Realisation Board. He declines to furnish any information relative to the re-arrangement of portfolios until a. full cabinet meeting, which will be held about Wednesday or Thursday. He informs me, however, that nothing- is definitely decided vet.

The Hon. Hall-Jones is expected to return on Wednesday.

Messrs Cadm'an and Thompson will probably proceed north towards the end of the week. They are now engaged clearing up departmental business. "■•

The '"Times" this morning"' attributes the siiccess of the Liberals in various parts of the colony at the general elections in a large degree to the through work done by Mr.Arthur Edwards, Liberal organizer, but regrets that divisions in the ranks of the Labour party prevented him do-ing-effective service in- Wellington. At Dunedin, says the "Times," where the liberal and labour electors were organised on his plan, three Government candidates were successful. There is reason to believe a similar result would habe been attained in Wellington if unity and, loyalty had been observed.

Though nothing is definitely settled regarding the portfolios of Defence and Justice, is 5s understood a second Auckland member will be included in ■tfha Cabinet. Among likely names, mentioned is that of Mr Houston (Bay of Islands). It is rumoured the Hon. Hall-Jones relinquishes the Marine portfolio, retaining Public Works.