LEADER OF THE UPPER HOUSE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 166, 28 June 1912, Page 4

LEADER OF THE UPPER HOUSE

The appointment of Mr. Oliver Samuel to the leadership of the Council will be generally accepted with pleasure. Mr. Samuel is a man of great ability, and in a Ministerial capacity should be capable of performing excellent work. It is apparent, however, from the Prijne Minister’s statement, that Mr. Samuel is not to be given a Minister’s rank. The position in the Cabinet will remain vacant because Mr. Mackenzie has not had the opportunity to’ consult his party. This is caucus rule with a vengeance, and it is a pity the Premier should make an admission that he isrtoo weak to risk independent’action. Things are in a bad way when a Prinie Minister canot select a representative of the Government to lead the Upper House without submitting his plans for dictatorial approval or rejection by the caucus. Of course, Mr. Samuel does not lose much by his qualiified office, as the Government is doomed to an-early defeat, but it serves to show the deplorable condition of the “Liberal” party when the leader dares not even confer upon a man of outstanding ability Ministerial rank without the seal and sign of approval from his party. Apparently Mr. Mackenzie, like Mr. Samuel, only enjoys a qualified leadership.