DISUNITED

Evening Star, Issue 16676, 7 March 1918, Page 8

DISUNITED

THE NATIONAL CABINET. [From Orm Special Coebespojowu,] WELLINGTON, Thia Day. During the course of the WaUinffton North by-election a newspaper opposed to the National Government published a somewhat sensational wticle upon bickerings in the National Cabinet, and reported threats of resignation. :Now that the Government have gone through the election oideal, the Wellington 'Poat,' which heartily supported tho National Government plea for unity, turns ita criticism from the same viewpoint upon the National Government It pleads for unity in the party, the nation, and in Parliament, if New Zealand is to continue to do its honorable share in the carrying en of the war. Reports of disagreements between the two leaders it dismisses with tho statement that, although they might well have differences of opinion, their relations have been those of perfect loyalty. "But we regret," continues the 'Post,' "that we cannot speak with equal confidence of the relations between less important members of the .Cabinet. There has been no open rapture, but there is evidence of strained relations and of that lack of mutual forbearance which has been displayed in such full measure by the leaders, and without which all their efforts may be brought to naught. We hope that the rank and file of the Cabinet will realise that the lesson which Wellington North has so deeply impressed on the country is one which cannot be ignored by Cabinet itself, and that, on the contrary, it is a-n obvious and imperative obligation of their public trust that they should take tho lesson to heart and follow it with punctilious care."

The newspaper has referred plainly to what everyone in touch with Ministers has knoivn for a long while, but has hesitated to speak about. It is always a thankless task to adjudicate between disputants, and I would not attempt to indicate where lies the blame. But it is due to the country supporting the united parties in the Government to know that the mrc-t serious dispute is between the Minister of Defence (Sir .lames Allen) and the Minister in Charge of Hospitals (the Hon. U. W. Russell). Their functions overlap somewhat in connection with the medical treatment of soldiers in New Zealand. Their views do not coincide, and much friction has resulted. Sir James Allen is credited with a dominating manner, while the Hon. C 4. W. Russell also has the reputation of having strong opinions end vigorens character. The Prime Minister must have had many anxious, moments endeavor, ing to "keep the peace," especially as his own party are not .altogether satisfied with Sir Jnrnw Allen's administration Po marked was the latter feeling last session

that It Is quite an open secret that several Reform caucuses were extremely difficult to manage, end the Minister of Defence came to open differences with the members of the party. . There haa been overlapping and duplication of responsibilities in connection with the Board of Trade and the- Imperud purlchase scheme. A good deal of adrainistTajtion is in the hands of the Hon. W. D. B'. Mac Donald, although the Prime Minister is the actual head of the two departments. There has been some difficulty over the Lack of a well-defined, line of demarcation, but it has not led to personal differences. The other instance, however, is one causing the leaders arvxietv, and there IS no doubt but that tho members of the-two parties in the House will demand a.clearing up of the situation when the Government meet Parliament early next month.