THE H.B. TRIBUNE. THURSDAY, JULY 11, 1912. THE NEW CABINET.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 177, 11 July 1912, Page 4

THE H.B. TRIBUNE. THURSDAY, JULY 11, 1912. THE NEW CABINET.

Mr. Massey is to he congratulated upon the despatch he has used in the formation cf his Cabinet. His promptitude in this matter has been seized upon to indulge in sneers about the tardiness of Mr Mackenzie in his task of Cabinet-making. But in fairness to the ‘‘Liberal” leader it must be admitted that the cases will not stand comparison. Mr. Mackenzie was swept up in the maelstrom \ of party discontent and rivalry and was called to the head of the Government at a time of keen political crisis. On the other hand Mr. Massey has had since December last to make his selection. It was only necessary for him to await the ringing of the division bell to distribute his portfolios. This is not said by way of discounting our opening congratulation, but with the object of giving fair play to Air. Mackenzie. Mr. Massey’s selection of Ministers appears to be an admirable one. For all round ability it s the strongest Ministry which has faced the country for many a long year. Mr. Massey docs not possess the personality of Mr. Seddon or the astuteness of Sir Joseph Ward, but the collective brains of bis teams is ahead of any of the Seddon or Ward Cabinets. This should prove a good thing for the country. One-man Governments do not develop the highest and best form of democratic rule. Mr. Sodden was notorious for assembling mediocre men .around him, the inference being that he met with loss opposition and was able to do the thinking and planning for the whole Ministry., Mr. Massey has adopted a different course and has called to hi.-: aid the best men that h’s party can produce. Irrespective of where the men come from or what reward they may have expected for service, be has chosen those who can be relied upon to beat •i--i-t in the good government of the ciuniry. There will, no doubt, be considerable opposition raised by the “Liberal” press to the absence of provincial conf iderat ions m the Cabinet select’on. The Reform party must expect thi- for they foster’d the same cry when Mr. Mackenzie found it nece-sarv to overlook one or two places in his desperate search for colleagues. This Provincialism, however, should not be encouraged. The best men arc needed, no matter what part of the countrv they come fiom '.The allocation of portfolios appears thoroughly satisfactory and it G gratifying to see that Mr. Massey had taken over the Departments of Lands. Argieultnre and Labour. No one iii the House is better able

to administer these important departments than the new Premier. He has been closely in touch with the land and its problems all his life and the farmers should find in him a sympathetic and friendly guide. The Agricultural Department, which Mr. Mackenzie administered with such success can be relied upon not to lose anything by the appointment of its new head. It is also well that Mr. Massey should hold the portfolio of Labour. There promises to be ticklish work ahead for any Minister of Labour, and the attitude of the new Government towards Labour is best interpreted by its chief. In .Mr. Allen as Minister of Finance, Defence and Education the Premier will have a powerful aid. Mr. Allen has given special attention to financial matters and it is to be sincerely hoped that he will be able to do good service to the country. Mr. Herries will make a good Minister of Railways and Native Affairs as he has given much useful study to both of these questions. The appointment of Mr. Fraser is not so pleasing. The important portfolio of Public Works should have been given to a man more physically fit for the arduous duties involved. The proper administration of the department entails much travelling and Mr. Fraser’s years handicap him in this respect. Th.ue can be no overlooking of the fact .however, that he has rendered the party loyal and useful service for many a long year and other portfolios will be quite safe in his hands. Mr. Herdman should make an admirable Minister of Justice and , Mr. Fisher possesses ample abiliti to control the departments entrust- ‘ ed to his care. Mr. H. D. Bell’s ap-} pointment to the Leadership of the j Council is very popular, but we are' inclined to think with Sir Joseph; Ward that it is a mistake to gn e a I member of the Council an important I portfolio which will bring him into conflict with members of the Hw.i However, as Mr. Massey says, the; allocation is subject to alteiations i and if the arrangement does not suit it can be altered. Mr. Rhodes iw . also be expected to do good work as, Postmaster-General and Ministei of I Public Health. Dr. Pomare, as the | only native upon the Reform side | was sure of a place in the Ministry. I Ho is b y no means lacking in capa-j citv and should be of considciable assistance as the Native Minister' There can be no disguising the fact ■ that the Ministry has been received, most favourably by the count™. Many ‘ Liberals” have openly ex-1 pressed the opinion that Mr. Massei has “gathered a strong team.” The t re-assembling of the House on 31st, will be looked forward to with keen interest and we hope the policy of ( the new Government will in eveiy way justify the confidence that has been placed in it by the people.