INTERVIEW WITH THE DEFENCE MINISTER

Evening Star, Issue 15432, 4 March 1914, Page 4

INTERVIEW WITH THE DEFENCE MINISTER

[From Oxra Special Reportee.] The Hon.* Jaa. Allen, in reply to querie* put on his journey north to-day, stated: " There are throe fresh staiF appointments to be made, but I cannot disclose the names at present. Major Richardson and Major Gardner will return at the end of the year. "As for the Cadets' parade in Dunedin during Sir lan Hamilton's visit, all the Cadets coming from the interior and unable to return to their homes the same day will be billeted, but it is expected that the bulk will be conveyed home that night." Questioned as to the Ministerial candidate. for the Dunedin South constituency, Mr Allen said that Ministers did not appoint candidates, but helped the distriot to find a suitable candidate, and -would help xhe approved candidate as far as they could. At present, however, no definite arrangement was come to about this seat, but there would be one in good time. Questioned also 'as to the vacancies on the directorate of the Bank of New Zealand, the Minister said that Cabinet had not yet come to a decision on the point. The Minister announced that he Loped to have the new Education Bill read}- before Parliament met. Discussing its probable provisions, he said he did not think that it would be necessary to make much alteration in the existing relationship between education boards and school committees, but as to salaries nothing had yet been decided by Cabinet. The Mimstsr could not say whether the boards and interested people would get copies of the Bill before it camo before the Education Committee; but he gave an assurance that all parties really interested would be given ample time in which to criticise the revised Bill as it came from the committee. The Minister will proceed to Akaroa tomorrow.