THE VACANT PORTFOLIO

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 148, 24 June 1915, Page 8

THE VACANT PORTFOLIO

GOSSIP ABOUT APPOINTMENTS THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. Members —at the moment —are not so* much interested in the possibilities of the Governor's Speech as in a personal matter —an appointment to fill the gap in the Cabinet. As usual, names are flying about the lobbies, and, of couree, j with precedent as their authority, some prophets point to Mr. Guthrie, the Senior Whip, who is a man of proved ! capacity. This subject will be one of t the number to be discussed at the Government caucus, on Saturday or Monday —probably- Monday. It is not likely that the Government will be unduly hasty in announcing the appointment. ' The Address-in-Reply is to be moved by Mr. C. J. Parr, C.M.G., M.P. for Eden, and seconded by Mr. \V. Downi© Stewart, member for Dunedin West. Among other subjects, it is understood that Mr. Parr will touch on the prospects of a coalition Ministry, and deprecate anything in the way of party politics at the present juncture. 1 FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS. In view of the cabled announcement of tho British Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the Imperial financial arrangement, the Hon. James Allen, when asked about its probable effect upon New Zealand's war loan requirements, said that it seemed we should have to' pay more for our money than formerly. The British Government were proposing to pay J 4£ per cent, for instance. The Chancellor of the Exchequer was apparently proposing under his scheme for the sale of £5 to £25 bonds and the arrangements connected therewith, 1 to reach all classes of the community, the object being to preserve the value of Consols. Mr. Allen was not able yet to speak publicly of New Zealand's arrangements, but the outlook was quite satisfactory. There is a good deal of speculation in political circles as to the amount to be raised for the purposes of a. war loan, but it is rumoured that the loan will cover two years' supplies. If so tho amount will be a very substantial one, as the Hon. James Allen stated some time ago that the war expenditure was £300,000 a month. With tho increase in the number of men at Trentham the monthly expenses must be mounting up rapidly, and putting them at £350,000 3i month would mean an expenditure of, roughly, £5.000.000 for the year. On this basis a loan for two years' war supplies would* mean something like £10,000,000 or £12,000,000. COST OF LIVING—AND RURAL LABOUR. In a statement published yesterday, Mr. Massey expressed the belief of himself and a large number of New Zealandei's that the best, {he safest, cure for "cost of living" will be found in an increase of production, thus ensuring a larger .average share of necessaries and comforts per head of population. Mr. .Massey is aware that this desirable result is dependent on an energetic, intelligent working of the land, and he knows that large numbers of men skilled in various farming operations have joined the forces for the front —and many others who have registered are awaiting a call to camp. The head of the Government recognises that a problem is taking shape, and he desires to have this difficulty considered in good time. Therefore, he has decided to refer this subject of rural labour to the Board of Agriculture. SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE , COUNCIL. Several names (including those of the Hons. 0. Samuel ■ and W. Carncross) have been mentioned for the Speakeislnp of the Legislative Council, but a crediTTfe authority is at the back of of another "tip," the Hon. C. J. Johnston. There are prophets aßout the lobbies who predict that Mr. Johnston will finish first. OPPOSITION CAUCUS. A caucus of the Opposition members was commenced at noon to-day and lasted until about 1.15 p.m. Seen by a Post reporter afterwards, Sir Joseph Ward 6tated that all the Liberal and Labour members were present, with the exception of five, and these had all sent telegrams or messages accounting for their absence. Sir Joseph _ added that one or two subjects of a'quite confidential nature had been discussed. He had announced at the meeting that the writ for the Taumarunui election had been returned, and that Mr. W. T. Jenhings was therefore entitled to take his seat as a member of the Lower House.