THE SHIP OF STATE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 10, 11 July 1912, Page 7

THE SHIP OF STATE

<m NEW OFFICERS IN CHARGE FINAL APPOINTMENT NOT FOR SOME TIME WHAT -IS BEING DONE. The Prime Minister (Mr. Massed and his colleagues are busily engaged to-day, .in taking possession of their quarters, and acquainting themselves with the preliminary details of Ministerial routine. Mr. Massey wae fully occupied with administrative work in the Cabinetroom, but gavo a few brief moments to a Post representative. THE HIGH COMMISSIONER. Nothing had yet been done, he said,' about the appointment of the High Commissioner, and it was not Itkely that anything would be done for a few "days. CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES. The Government had not yet considered the appointment of Chairman of Committees. CONTROL OP PARLIAMENT , BUILDINGS. "We' propose/ added Mr. Massey, "to again give the Speakers of the two Houses control of the internal administration of Parliament Buildings. That right was formerly exercised, but was taken away many years ago, and we consider that it ought to be restored." Asked as to what steps the Government proposed to take in connection with the new Parliament Buildings, preliminary work in connection with which has for weeks past been in progress, Mr. Massey said no decision had been come to. He had asked the Minister for Public Works to obtain a report from the Department as to what had been done i»nd ia. being done, in order that 1 Cabinet might have the fullest information before it when considering' what steps should be taken. ANOTHER MINISTER. The Prime Minister, in answer to * further question, etated that it was proposed to appoint another Minister. Some difference of opinion existed as to the interpretation of the Legislature Act iv that particular respect, and the subj'eot had been referred to the Crown Law Office for a report. In any case, th« appointment would not be made for some , time.