THE CABINET

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 79, 3 April 1926, Page 8

THE CABINET

MR J. S. DICKSON'S POSITION

I STATEMENT DENIED

gO APPOINTMENTS YJ3T.

Strong exception is taken by Mr. J. B. DicksoD, M.P. for Parnell, to a statement published in Wellington, that, in addition to Mr. V. A. Potter, M.P., both he and Mr. A. Harris, M.P., are supporting the candidature of Miss E. Melville for the Eden seat. The statement alleged that both Messrs. \Dickson and Harris cherished "fond hopes, of being included'in the Cabinet." ,Th« "Auckland Star" states that, with the Reform organiser, Mr. Davy, the member for Parnell characterised the published statement as "a- utterly false report." "Mr. Dickson," said the organiser, "has been actively assisting me in the campaign on behalf of Sir James Gunsjn. Furthermore, Mr. Dickson was on the platform with fir James at Mount Albert on Tuesday night, and durjng the course of his remarks he besought the support of all loyal Reformers for the Government candidate, and said that all votes cast against Sir James Gunson were practically votes for the extreme Labour Fartyf" While much speculation regarding possible Cabinet appointment,? has been 'going on of late, it has been known ;fnat Mr. J. S. Dicksou, -who was Chief Whip for the Government Party in the last Parliament, had reasons for declining to consider an invitation t accept elevation to Ministerial rank. Mr. Dick•on made the position clear to the ''Auckland Star" on Thursday' when denying the published statement alluded to above. "As far as the dirty in•innations against me regarding Cabinet rank are concerned, I gi c them the lie direct," said Mr. Dickscn, warmly. "I told Mr. Coates severul weeks ayo that on account of domestic reasons I wouTd not be a candidate for Cabinet rank. I stated it would not bo passim tot me to act as a Minister, but I expressed my willingness to continue to Rive service as chief Government Whip ?or tha next three years. I am now this, matter in the hands of my solicitor to demand a withdrawal of tfie statement and an apology." ,It ia not expected that further announcements'regardinc the filling of Cabinet vacancies will.be made for two or.three weeks. Arrangements are nuw being made for Mr. Nosworthy to hand ever the po/tfolio of Finance to Mr. Downie Stewart, who at present Molds the Attorney-Generalship. Mr. Stewart $ook ov»r this office from Sir Francis Pell in January. Sir James Parr will retain Education and the Postmaster-Generalship fcr another fortnight or so. Until Sir James Parr and, Mr. Nosworthy relinquish .their portfolios nothing is likely to be idone in the way of Cabinet readjustments. • Mr. Nosworthy holds the portfolio ot Immigration, but, so far, nothing has been indicated as to where that will finally rest. In view of the recentlyannounced, increase in the number of immigrants who are to be received into ;the Dominion annually, and tfcjo general insistence at Home that more must be done in the matter of Empire migration,, the portfolio of Immigration has £ow assumed some importance. A portfolio which will have to be allotted following on the departure of m ncis Bel! *" Extornal Affairs The Leadership of the Legislative Council is now vacant, and the successor to Sir Francis Bell in that position will probably be announced at an •jjrly date.