THE NEW CABINET.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 11, 14 January 1926, Page 6

THE NEW CABINET.

"MANAWATU TIMES" INFORMATION. FOUR MEMBERS NAMED. THE HIGH COMMISSIONERS^ (By Telegraph.— Special to PALMERSTON NORTH, thi s day> . The absorbing topic of conversatfoin political circles is Cabinet re C o n3 W tion and portfolio distribution *, though the Prime Minister has not xm* his official announcement it ;. „ possible to give the names of the n Ministers, says the political correspond' ent of the "Manawatu Times" Th are: F. J. Rolleston (Timaru') J I Young (Hamilton), 0. Hawk™ (Egmont), and G. Jones (Ellesmere) So far it is not possible to say how th portfolios will be distributed, but on thing is now certain—all ta e present members of Cabinet will retain their rank. *" It was hoped that the Prime Minister would stand his ground with all the strength of character that has been attributed to him and make a clean sween of bis ineffectives, but this is not to be The choice of the four men named con! firms the statement already made that Sir James Parr is to be High Comanssioner. The other vacancies in Cabinet are caused by the death of Mr. Massev the retirement of Sir R. Heaton RhodeY and the desire to relieve the Prime' Minister of one of his two heavy portfolios —Railways and Public Work 3 Then there is the problem of the leadership of the Legislative Council, which, comes with the impending retirement oi Sir Francis Bell, who is also AttorneyGeneral and Minister of External Affairs. It is rumoured freely in Wellington that the next leader of the "Lords" will be the Hon. Vernon Reed, but that can be counted out. Mr. E. J. Lee is practically certain to be Attorney-General when the time comes to make the appointment, and his elevation to "another place" is expected to follow as a matter of course. Some surprise is expressed at the retention of the Hon. W. Nosworthv the hard-working, but much-abused, " Minister of Agriculture, and "father" of all "pools" and wheat agreements. But Mr. Nosworthy's retirement cannot lont, be delayed. His health is not satisfactory, and he will relinquish office, very shortly. One other important appointment will not occasion surprise and will be received with very general satisfaction. The Hon. W. Downie Stewart is to be Finance Minister. His health has considerably improved of late, and his return to. active work at the Treasury will greatly strengthen the confidence of the country in the Governmeut. The choice of the four new Ministers has created something of a sensation. Among those who have been let into the secret, Mr. Rolleston was regarded a3 a certainty, and he will be the strong man of the Government before very long; but it was confidently anticipated that Mr. F. Hockly would beat 3lr. Young or Mr. Hawken for a place. The member for Rotorua, though comparatively new to politics, was quickly noted as a distinct addition to the debating power of the House, and he was thought to be in the running for a portfolio. However, he will most probably succeed to the next best appointment—that of Chairman of Committees. *>. David Jones' inclusion was not altogether unexpected, and his able chairmanship of the Meat Board, combined with considerable debating ability, has put him where he is. There will be much heart-burning amonj the disappointed ones at this appointment, bnfc it has to be remembered that Canterbury's claim to a portfolio, in view of Sir Heaton Rhodes' retirement, could not very well be ignored. Another interesting speculation follows the elevation of the chairman of the Meat Board. He cannot continue in the job be now holds, and must give place to another. A most interesting rumour in this regard concerns the name of a young and promising member of Parliament in the North Island.