RECONSTRUCTION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 74, 27 March 1912, Page 8

RECONSTRUCTION.

♦ FORMING THE CABINET 'NO ANNOUNCEMENT TO-DAY. Deliberations in connection with the formation of a new Cabinet under the leadership of the Hon. T. Mackenzie were carried on till about 9.30 last night, and then came somewhat suddenly to a conclusion. 'It was understood at the- time 'that the difficulty, whatever it was, would be got over this morning, and that an announcement on the subject of the new Cabiii^fc would be made during the day. It is apparent, however, that the Cabinet-making process has not yet been completed, and the necessity for haete has been obviated by the temporary absence from Wellington of His Excellency the Governor, who left for Palmerston this morning. Hie absence, however, is not expected to be of long duration, and, if the necessary arrangement's are made in the interim 'by those concerned, the announcement as to the constitution of the naw Ministry need not be delayed for more ihan a day or two. The utmost eecrecy is being observed as to the negotiations that are going on, and even prospective, as well as hopeful, members of the new Administration profess themselves as being absolutely in the dark as to what ie in the minds of those responsible for the solution of- the problem. It ds apparent, however, that a determined 6et is being made by the Prohibition party against the inclusion in the Cabinet cf Mr. A. M. Myers, the Auckland member, on account' of hie connection with the 7 brewing industry. On the other hand, it is claimed" that Mr. Myers is essential to ' the strength of the new , Cabinet, , because of . his financial ability, for it is recognised that, unless a more stable condition of affaire is brought about in the Old Country, finance will be one -of the chief problems which the Mackenzie Government will have to solve. Further, if Mr. Myers is not included it will be difficult 1 to give Auckland representation in the Cabinet, which, in any case, would, in a main essential, be weakened by his" exclusion. Again, the trouble in regard to the Canterbury ■ claimants hf« not ' yet been settled. The intention, it would appear, was to appoint Mr G. Laurenson and Mr. G. W.Russell — Mr. Laureneon on account of his long service to the Party, and Mi. Russell because it was considered he would be a good understudy to Mr. Myers in regard to, financial^ matters when they were being "debated, in the Honse. For that reason,' it was considered, Messrs. Davey" and Witty were' not regarded as having much chance of inclusion, but it is evident that Mr. Ell's claims to consideration' have protracted negotiations to some extent. Yesterday evening the Hon. R. M'Kenzie was regarded as a certainty. To-day, for some reason which is not expressly stated, his chances are discounted in some quarters. Further, it is suggested that Sir James Carroll may be offered a seat in the Cabinet, but that it is problematical if he will accept. The problem is & difficult one. Fresh j complications appear to arise every few hours, and certainty gives place to uncertainty;.