THE CABINET AND THE MINISTER OF LANDS.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume 29, Issue 1522, 31 December 1898, Page 1

THE CABINET AND THE MINISTER OF LANDS.

The following extract from the Wellington N.Z. Times, sent as a special to the Star, throws considerable light on the Hon. John M'Kenzie's intentions:—

• "We are now in a position to state authoritatively that the Hon. John M'Kenzie, while retaining his position in the Cabinet, will for a time relinquish the duties and cares of office in order to pay a visit to his native land. The reason for his temporary retirement from public life, all will be sorry to hear, is the "state of his health. When the i Hon. John M'Kenzie returned to Wellington a short time ago he was warned by his medical adviser that it was absolutely necessary that he should take a complete rest from all public business. Notwithstanding that his health had improved during the time he spent in the South, his medical adviser was still of opinion that a resumption of active work would prevent his full and complete I recovery. We understand that, acting upon this advice, Mr M'Kenzie immediately communicated to the Right Hon. the Premier his intention of retiring at any rate for a time, from public life, with its attendant worries and anxieties. The Premier war, of course, very much averse to losing his old colleague, and with the general concurrence of the other members of the Cabinet, suggested that, in lieu of retiring, Mr M'Kenzie should try a sea voyage and visit the Mother Country, where, if on arrival Home it was found necessary, he would have the very best medical advice, and be away from all worry and anxiety, thus having a complete rest. Mr M'Kenzie asked time to consider the matter and to consult his family and friends in the South, as also his medical adviser. We understand that he has new intimated to the Premier that lie will try a trip Home, and spe I what rest and change will do towards restoring his impaired constitution, and on his return all will depend upon the state of his health as to his future public . career. Members of the Cabinet probably feel—and in this we believe both Parliament and the country will concur—that, inasmuch Mr M'Kenzie's breakdown in health is entirely due to the incessant strain of Ministerial work, the proposed rest is well earned, especially if, as is hoped he should come back so restored as to be able to continue his work of liberal land administration and close settlement. His health permitting, he will when in England find it difficult to refrain from going into the several matters lie has so much at heart, and ■ which iuterest the pastOralisls, the farmers, and the settlers generally, by making personal investigation into the of thedairyingand frozen meat industries and the manner in which our produce is dealt with at Home, with a view of submitting proposals to the -Cabinet in the interests of the producers of the colony. Mr M'Kenzie's absence from New Zealand will entail some:extra work upon his colleagues, but as the business of the country went on all right during the absence of the Premier all will doubtless go well during the few months that Air M'Kenzie is to be absent. If we are to judge from present indications, there are likely to be changes in the Ministry prior to next session. Whatever ' eventuates, the country can ill spare Mr M'Kenzie, notwithstanding the tilts he sometimes takes against those who stroke him down the wrong way. The visit of the Minister of Lands to the Highland home he left some 39 years ago will be watched with great interest, and we feel sure a right good Highland welcome will be given to one who is an honour to his country and to the clan of M'Kenzie. We earnestly hope that he may return from his well-earned holiday with restored health, and that ho may yet be able to render much valuable service to New Zealand in addition to that which he has so long and unselfishly given."