THE MINISTRY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 12 July 1912, Page 5

THE MINISTRY.

IMPRESSIONS FROM THE PRESS GALLERY. \ INTERESTING COMMENTS. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, This Day. A good deal ha-s ihcen written in the conventional style about the gentlemen who compose the Government, which Mr. Massey now controls. A few notes of a, more liberal tone may be interesting. Mi\ Massey succeeded Sir William. Russell many years ago as. Leader of the ■Opposition. Sir William had given manifest proof that he was not able to cope with the sledge hammer tactics of Mr. Seddon and the arrival on the scene of a bare knuckle lighter like the member for Franklin, was welcomed by those who -were arrayed, under the Opposition banner. It is not generally suggested that 'Mr. Massey wears naturally the mantle of ; the late Mr. Seddon. Neither in virility, nor State craft, nor personal magnetism, does Mr Massey compare with the man from the West Coast, who in 1893 succeeded Mr. Baliance, and a.-few short months later ran New Zealand as a ;dictotor, to whom all had to bow. But he has some of the qualities of the man he succeeds, •'by two short political generations. He is a fighter from way back to use a figure of speech. He is never tired of looking after the affairs of the House. •No one sits in the- House more continuously ' than hev Very few have a clearer grasp of affairs. The Teasoh "being that he has kept close eye on the aftah's', not from the lobbies, but from his seat in Parliament. Perhaps he is .too impulsive. It may be that' on occasions, he lacks originality and discretion, but he has for years stood before the House as a breezy virile personf ality who was more likely to ■ figure prominently as an exponent of the art of destructive criticism than one iborn to lead an army which had victory already J achieved.

It is apparent that he is re-adjusting the political conceptions. Responsibility bring about the necessary changes in the big men, and it looks as if Mr. Massesis bis enough to rise to the occasion. He has a long way to go yet. Already there are signs that some of his supporters are inclined to discuss in the spirit of unrest some of his appointments to the Cabinet rank. This is inevitable., tout a close acquaintance with the man gives; the impression that he will be equal to all emergencies. Mr. J; Alien has not had an unchequered career of political stability. Some of the charges he made against the past administrations ■were proved, <ts far as political charges ever can be proved, to be unfounded, but his political record is clean. Not one unworthy action has even been suggested against him; not once has it been hinted that he did or said anything for personal gain or for unworthy -political motives. In reputation he stands high, and the worst that has ever been said about him is that he was occasionally politically misled, and even that was not proved. His knowledge of finance, is undeniable, and bis capacity and industry are generally acknowledged. In ibetween whiles he is a courteous gentleman, and politics apart, may be expected to fulhl duties attaching to his portfolios with credit and ability.

Mt. Herries has been frequently referred to as the power behind the throne of the Erstwhile Opposition-. Under a genial personality he conceals a degree of ability, tact and political sense that has not only made him of the most popular of members, but one who never spoke to empty 'benches, and as a rule has for many years past commanded a full attendance whenever he seriously tackled any big subject. Mr. Herries is going to be a big-man-as long ,as .the Government lasts. He. has made a special study of railways and Isative affairs, and is well fitted with the portfolios that he holds. Mr. W. Fraser, who takes the portfolios of Public Works and Mines, is one of the sanest members of the House.' For years past his criticisms have been listened to with respect "and attention by members on both sides of the House, and he may early ibe regarded as one of the. solidest members of the M'aesey Government.

Mr. Herdman, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, is well placed. As a lawyer he occupies a prominent an<l well-] defined position at the New Zealand Bar. As a member of the Opposition for many years, he was generally looked upon as one of the most destructive critics that Wellington has ever sent to the House. If anything, his fault is that he is more of the realty Conservative type than the majority of those with whom he is associated. Probably he would be the last to acknowledge the charge, probably also his progressive colleagues will conduct •him to a wider political gauge, but he is the one member of the new' Government whose career will be watched with close interest, because of the reason just stated. He is a elever debater, a man well versed in affairs, armed at all points and full of fight. Mr. Fisher comes next. The only suggestion made against Mr. Fisher is that he may be the victim of heredity. His father, the late Mr. Geo. Fisher, foundi it difficult to run in political harness, and left the Atkinson Government owing to a disagreement. Tlhe present Mr. Fisher is a big man physically and mentally—a man -who has suffered defeat and achieved victory in the strenuous life of athletics. Some years ago he jumped sft Bin when he" weighed 14 stone, and he is well known as a. champion in the tennis world. As a platformman he has a style that is insistent, and at the same time altogether charming. While hitting hard and vigorously 'he is not standing.as a hard hitter. He has an engaging manner that never fails to carry convictiofi. and it is rrenerally considered that his inclusion in the Cabinet is largely a tribute to the valuable work he did on the platform during and since the last electoral camnaign. Mr. H. D/ Bell, K.C., Leader of the Upper House, is a lawyer of Dominion reputation. -As a member of the House some years ago he achieved the distinction of .beincr a man -whose lightest utterance called for the fullest consideration. On the platform'he was a failure. As a political critic he was of the best. He should prove a most valuable addition to the ranks of the Government, if only for his legal knowledge, but he ■has otheT qualities, and his life-long knowledge of New Zealand politic'; will Undoubtedly prove the greatest value to his party. Mr. Heaton \Rhcdes lias »_<:-ver been rpgarded as a prominent politician, but his consistency as a- supporter of the Opposition and his p?r?onal stability have ensured his promotion to Cabinet rank. In the Boer War he did good service as a soldier Isadrr. He will probably walk warily as Postmaster-General. Dr. Pomare represents the Native race. He knows a lot about things that concern the Maori, morr '•specially in regard to health matters. On occasions he may prove interesting.

MR. HERRIES AND RACING PERMITS. jUnitbij Press Associaiion.X ' WELLINGTON, This Day. Mr.'Herries will not be the Minister in charge of racing permits, as, being already a, member of the Racing Conference, he does not care to act in a dual carmcitv. - It ha« not been decided who will undertake this duty.