CABINET RECONSTRUCTION

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3247, 18 January 1926, Page 8

CABINET RECONSTRUCTION

AND THE LEADERSHIP OP THE COUNCIL. The prophesy of the ‘‘Manawatu tally Times's” political observer as to Cabinet appointments has excited widespread interest, and, incidentally ilome disapproval. The Christchurch “Sun” for example makes particular reference to the mention of the Hon. Vernon Reed and Mr E. P. Lee for the leadership of the Legislative Council "It is difficult to understand the process of political reasoning by which the North Island prophet has Justified the release of his kite (writes the ‘‘Sun”). There is no valid ground for naming either of these estimable politicians as a successor to Sir Francis Bell. Neither has demonstrated in Parliamentary or any other experience the possession of such outstanding capabilities as to justify selection for the onerous post of Attorney-Gen-eral. Something more than political suavity and hard calculating legal ability is required for the dual task ot leading the Legislative Council and advising the Government on important constitutional and Imperial ques. tions. It may be said in perfectly good temper and goodwill that Mr Lee has done very well indeed fb regain the confidence of Oamaru and a place in Parliament. He , will do more than well if he should succeed In getting back into the Ministry with tES portfolio of Justice. But we cannbt see him doing so extraordinarily well as to secure the AttorneyGeneralship. “If the Prime Minister should decide to select a member of the Legislative Council to succeed its retiring loader, he need not hesitate to choose Sir John Findlay, whose experience and ability would amply justify his selection. His qualities make his defects, but these are remediable under keen discipline. If, on the other hand Mr Coates should prefer, as we think he ought to do without any hesitation at all, to appoint a representative of the legal profession outside the ranks of politicians, he would not gfl wrong in selecting Mr M. Myers, of Wellington, to fill the gap caused by the forthcoming retirement of Sir Francis Bell.

“All things considered it would be a preposterous act to ‘call’ Mr Lee to the Council and necessitate a byelection, when an easier) process is available with the certainty of securing in Mr Myers the service of an abler legal administrator." It should be stated that Sir John Findlay is not now a member of the Council, as might be inferred from the “Sun’s” reference.