The Hawera Star. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1925. "CABINET-MAKING."

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 29 December 1925, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1925. "CABINET-MAKING."

p»erv availing by & i>'i:loek in Rswera, Manaia, Normanby, Okaiawa. Rltham, Mangatoki, Kapouga, Alt.>n, Hurlpyvdle, Patp», Wcver)"y, Mokoia. Wbakarnara. Ohangai, MereniPre. Fravr H«k! . and

Having barely paused to enjoy their > Christmas dinner, the witches of prophecy are again dancing about the political cauldron, conjuring up apparitions of new Ministers —or present Ministers confirmed in office. When, after the election, Mr Coates declined lo be hustled into reconstruction of his Cabinet, he gave interviewers to understand that there would be an announcement early in the New Year; and now that the New Year is so those upon us, the probabilities and possibilities of office are being actively debated in Wellington. The Star has indicated previously certain directions in which the present Ministry might be strengthened by alteration, and has mentioned several private members of tlie Reform Party whose elevation to Cabinet rank would be cordially received in the country. One or two fresli possibilities, however, are suggested, bv a review of the situation published in the New Zealand Times, and, since that journal lias turned from its traditional Liberalism to warm support of "the Government since Mr Coates took'over the command, it may lie that inside information is at its disposal. It appears to be the general expectation that Mr Downie Stewart will be given the portfolio of Finance, and probably that of Industries and Commerce as, well. Indeed, the only obstacle to this course that has suggested itself at any time since the election is the state of Mr Stewart’s health, which, happily, is much improved. Equally certain, it is said, is

Sir James Parr’s selection for the High Commissiouership. Without examining the position in detail at this stage, it may be said; that our representation in London is not likely to suffer, by such appointment. Sir James Parr is not so scholarly a man as Sir James Allen, nor, denied the hall-mark of an English university education, would he be to the same extent persona grata with political and diplomatic circles at Home. Act. we venture to think that Sir Janies Parr would worthily discharge the main duties of a Dominion High Commissioner. He is always cheery and approachable and no one who has watched his career as Minister of Education can accuse him of being wanting in ideas. It will give the Prime Minister some thought to dispose of the vacant portfolio of Education, fast becoming one of the most important, and demanding of its holder bold initiative tempered by sound) wisdom. It is being hinted that Mr Statham may not be re-elected to the Speakership, but we cannot bring ourselves to believe that. The Reform Party very adroitly got; itself out of a difficulty in 1923 by voting Mr Statham to the chair, and common gratitude demands that it should not forsake him now. As Speaker, the hon. member for Dunedin 'Central has been an outstanding success. He has restored to the chair its proper dignity, and, although he has ruled the) House firmly, it lias been with unquestionable fairness. Mr Young, Chairman of Committees in the last House, ■and Mr Hockly, his deputy, are named as possible Speakers. Both are able men —especially Mr Young —and botli are highly respected in the House; but we hold that neither would fit the chair as Mr Statham has. Mr Y r oung must be considered when any additional Ministers are appointed. As chairman of the Native Affairs' Committee of the House, he* has secured a thorough knowledge of the working of that department. The name of Mr Williams, however, is now being mentioned as a possible Minister of Native Affairs should Mr Coates wish to relinquish that position. But the new development in the situation particularly affecting this district is that, should Mr Nosworthy give up the portfolio of Agriculture, his successor will “most likely” be. our friend Mr Hawken. the member of Egmont. Assuming that Mr Nosworthy hands over control of Finance to Mr Stewart, it is thought that he may retain office as Minister of Agriculture, for some time, but- perhaps not for long. The elevation of Mr Hawken to 1 Cabinet rank, whether it come now or later, would he widely acclaimed in Taranaki, and without a doubt the change would leave farming interests in safe hands. Mr. Hawken would find Ministerial life somewhat more strenuous and exacting ' than private membership has been to him; but-liis record in life is that of a worker, and; the farmers of the Dominion. may take it that, he would be true to. his record. 'While the selection of Ministers from .territorial considerations is not one that appeals to us. provincial representation must always have a, bearing on the final decision, and it. would be a compliment to the dairy farm of the Dominion, as well as a. graceful tribute to the political allegiance of her people, were one of Taranaki’s members included in tlureconstructed Cabinet. As the veteran of the .provincial group, as well as by reason of his intimate connection with the producers’ side of the dairying industry, ‘Mr Hawken would be entitled to the honour of selection. Canterbury will be expecting a new Minister to replace Sir Heaton Rhodes if ho does not carry on from the Upper House, and no doubt there will be a strong influence from the south pushing the. claims of Mr Jones; but Mr Jones is a .representative of the languishing wheat farmers and Mr Hawken of the important and increasing body of dairy farmers. The country would be none the worse for a transfer of the control of Agriculture from the South to the North Island.