THE MINISTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9628, 28 September 1894, Page 5

THE MINISTRY.

EXPECTED RESIGNATION OF MB.

CADMAN.

PROBABLE CHANGES.

[BY telegraph.—special correspondent.] Wellington, Thursday. Something more than a rumour has reached me, that the Hon. Mr. Cadman, member for VVaikato, and Minister of Mines and Justice, contemplates an early resignation of his portfolio of the offioe, and retirement from the Cabinet. The cause assigned to me is that the hon. gentleman has come to recognise that he has not the physical strength to withstand the strain of the arduous and continuous work that has devolved upon him in common with his colleagues. Mr. Cadman is known to be a most persistent departmental worker, and if he is never in evidence in the hurlyburly of party fight on the floor of the House he may always be found in his office, and always at work. Herein lies bis strength and his weakness. A conscientious worker he is apt to waste himself upon departmental detail to the exclusion of larger issues, and affairs of more importance to the State In the House ho is rarely hoard except in answer to questions, and for my own part I have never heard him make a speech. Latterly Mr. Cadman has been absent from his place in consequent of a protracted illness that commenced with influenza in a severe form, and became complicated by acute bronchitis. For weeks he has been unable to be present even in Cabinet, except at the recent meeting to determine the Bank agreement, which he made a speoial effort to attend. At present his condition is said to be one of much physical debility, if not of aotual suffering. He is reported to be unable to leave his room, and is not likely to leave his home for some days. If then he is unable to bear the stress of departmental work that his habit and nature will impel him to attempt while he holds office he will probably resign, and I think he will do so. He is understood to be what is commonly termed "well off," if not affluent, so that the emoluments of office he can afford to surrender without regret. If then he resigns who will succeed him ? If the methods adopted when Mr. Cadman accepted office are followed, then the Auckland Province must be placated, and a Northern member from that region be created a Cabinet Minister. The group of what are known as the Auckland members, who vote always at the call of the par.y, are: Messrs Lawry, Houston, Harris, W. Kellv, and McGowan. Among these, I think the last named is likely to be the first selected. It may be that nature nevor ordained him for a Cabinet Minister, but the exigencies of party may presently create him one, and certainly, so far as my observation enables me to determine, he is likely to prove the most capable for office of those whose names I have put upon the list.