CABINET CHANGES.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10238, 6 January 1899, Page 4

CABINET CHANGES.

The changes that we predicted in the Cabinet as imminent some months ago seem nearer. Mr. Cadman has definitely announced his retirement. He has not been in strong health for some time. It was always a surprise to us why he remained so long in office. He is a wealthy man, for his speculations with his partner, the Hon. W. C. Smith, in native lands were, we understood, successful. He was not looked upon as a strong Seddonite, butj being a weak man physically and intellectually, he was dominated by the stronger wills in the Cabinet. He was the most popular of the Ministers, because he said little and was always pleasant. His defence of the seizure of the Public Works votes for the Railway and of the attempted retransference of the votes was very weak, and his attack on the Audit Department showed that he, too, had imbibed the autocratic sentiments of bis colleagues. He was not a success as an administrator, as residents in Canterbury know only too well, for the railways are not so well managed as they were under the Commissioners*. He kept himself, as Minister of Mines, free from syndicates and companies, and thereby set an example to the Premier. His mining legislation is, however, much condemned by some companies in Auckland, and what effect it may have on the development of mining remains to be seen.

The Hon. John M'Kenzie goes Home on a trip, and no one will grudge him his holiday. He is not, like the Premier, going at State expense, and his devotion to his duties has no doubt undermined his health. We have disagreed with much that he has done, and we have approved neither his methods nor his manners, but that does not blind us to his earnestness and industry. Mr. Seddon will find it difficult to find among his followers one equal to Mr.' M'Kenzie in work or in will power. We question, however, if he desires to get another Minister like Mr. M'Kenzie. It is well known that regarding land administration, Mr. M'Kenzie allowed no interference by anyone. We have no doubt that should Mr. M'Kenzie be forced to retire, Mr. Seddon will find some one who will be obedient to his sway.

The difficulty that faces Mr. Seddon in filling up the vacancy to be caused by Mr. Cadman's retirement is not great. Mr. McGowan will, we suppose, be chosen. He is not a man of broad views, we should rather say he is narrow, but he will no doubt obey the Premier, and that will be his great recommendation. He has taken no position in the House, 'and has generally troubled himself about some petty matters that are not worth while recording. Mr. Thompson was to have retired ere this. Mr. Seddon wishes to get rid of him, though Mr. Thompson has «ever been most accnmmodating. It was intended to put Mr. McNab in his place, but we understand that some not in the House, on whom Mr. Seddon relies for support, intimated to the Premier that they would not have Mr. at any price, and that has disturbed the arrangements that had sheen made. Amongst the 'followers of the Ministry Mr. Thompson is not favoured. How he got into the Cabinet nobody knows, and we need not say he has not been a success as a Minister.

There are a few who still reverence Mr. Ballance's memory, and they are not —if they dare all favourable to Mr. Seddon, and he has to keep them in submission. The 'general election is near, else we are certain many of those now supporting Mr. Seddon would openly express their dissatisfaction with many things that have happened. The coming vacancies in the Cabinet keep others quiet. Wo could # name five or six Government supporters who feel it difficult not to break into open revolt, but they have not the courage to risk a possible retirement from politics, and they are afraid cf Mr. Seddon's power over, the electorates. If, however, some of them are not appeased in the new Cabinet changes, we should not be surprised to see them become critical in their attitude, if not absolutely independent in their votes. J{: Mr. M'Kenzie has' to retire Mr. Seddon's difficulties will, we are convinced, be greater than he imagines, for he will then attempt to interfere with the Lands Department,* and the scandals of the Police Department will be repeated.