NATIVE AFFAIRS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 285, 30 October 1934, Page 6

NATIVE AFFAIRS

PREMIER MAY ASSUME PORTFOLIO.

REPORT AWAITED.

WELLINGTON, Oct. 30.

. The portfolio of Native Affairs is likely to be assumed by the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. G. W- Forbes) when the resignation of the present Minister, Sir Apirana Ngata, has been accepted. , , , , Mr Forbes said last night that ha had not received the Minister’s resignation. However, a development is expected to-morrow, ivhen the report of the Native Affairs Commission will be tabled. Mr Forbes proposes to make a statement then, setting out the action to be taken in connection ivith the future administration of the portfolio. Sir Apirana Ngata Mr Tau Henare and Air tTaite Te Tomo conferred with Air Forbes yesterday. It is not knoivn Avhether Air Forbes’s tenure of the portfolio is to be temporary or permanent. In any case, the vieiv is held in Parliament Buildings that under the circumstances of Sir Apirana’s pending retirement, the ivork should be taken up by a representative of the United side of the Coalition. The question of filling the Cabinet vacancy also arises. In that case, again, there is not likely to be any dispute, for, while the present pact subsists, it is generally agreed that the-spirit of equality between the two parties should be preserved. Two vacancies have occurred on the Reform side since the Coalition was formed, and in each instance Reform successors AA'ere appointed. Thus Air C. E. Alacmillan followed Air D. Jones and Air J. Bitchener folloAved Air Dowme SteAvart. The logical claimant for preferment on the United side is Air S. G. Smith, who is Chairman of Committees and a former Alinister. He would bring both energy and experience to bear on Alinisterial ivork. Incidentally, the Cabinet just now is far belorv full strength. ELon. E. A. Ransom has been in hospital at Dannevirke and is unlikely to resume his duties for some AA'eeks. Hon. A. Hamilton recently returned to duty after a serious operation, and is not yet fit to undertake the full range of his former activities. With the pending resignation of Sir Apirana Ngata, there will shortly be only seven Alinisters actively engaged in the performance of their duties.