REFORM PARTY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18333, 16 February 1920, Page 6

REFORM PARTY.

"A POSSIBLE FIFTY."

NO NEW MINISTERS ANNOUNCED.

[Fkom Our ComaßsroNDENT.]

WELLINGTON, February 14

There were several absentees from the Government supporters' meeting this afternoon owing to difficulties 01 travel and sickness, but counting those present and accounted for the Governinent total is 48, "probably hity, as a Minister put it to a representative or the "Lyttelton Times" with a significant smile- After the three hours gathering, the Prime Minister stated That it was the best meeting of his supporters ever held during the time or the present Government. He said the future policy was discussed,, and views expressed regarding the Cabinet vacancies, " but," he added, "I did not submit any names to the meeting. W lthin a fortnight 1 will be able to announce the names of two new Ministers. As Sir William Fraser is still Minister ot Public Works there is only one Minister less in Cabinet than was the case during the last session. During the meeting reference was made to the splendid work done by Sir William'Fraser during the time he has controlled the Public Works Department, and very feeling references were made to the fact that this was the first time for many years that Mr Robert Scott's genial presence was not seen at a party meeting. Mention was made of the good work Mr ■ Scott had done, and the respect in which he is held by all members of the Government party, and the hope was expressed that his services would not be lost to the country."

It was gathered from other sources that the Prirno Minister indicated a probability of the first session of..the new Parliament being heavier than is usually the case owing to the urgent need of a comprehensive Education Act, and Samoan legislation, as well as important amendments of the Housing Act, and the necessity of giving further attention to pensions, labour, laws, and finance. He is said tq 'have made it plain that the portfolio of Public Works will have to be placed in the hands of an experienced Ministerj the probability being, it was thought, that the Prime Minister himself would hold this responsibility for a time. It was also understood that Sir James Allen's resignation, was not likely to be announced for several months, though the report suggesting that ho will remain in New Zealand until the session is almost completed, was not corroborated by caucus references.