SUGGESTED CABINET RECONSTRUCTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12854, 1 May 1905, Page 5

SUGGESTED CABINET RECONSTRUCTION.

WHAT MAY HAPPEN IF THE

PREMIER RETIRES

[BT TELEOBiPH. OWN' CORRESPON DEN T ]

CREtSTcacKca, Sunday. Mr. Masset's prediction that the Premier will before long be comfortably established in London as High Commissioner has prompted the Times to discuss the question of Cabinet reconstruction, which it says, i.» at present being undertaken by the Premier's own friends. "They begin," it remarks, "by making the present leader retire in favour of Sir Joseph Ward. This, of course, is foe only possible settlement- of the Premiership, and it is assumed that Sir Joseph would take over the portfolios now held by his chief, anil distribute his own among the new members of the Cabinet. Then Mr. Hall-Jonea, who is supposed to be averse to any change, ■would resign, and Mr. Mills would find it convenient to follow his example. Mr. McNab would come iu a-* the strong new man, probably taking Railways aud one or two minor portfolios, and Mr. Millar as Minister for Public Works, and • Mr. Fowlds as Postmaster-General, would make up the Ministry. This arrangement, itwill bo noticed, leaves Mr. Duncan in charge of the Lands Department, and does not disturb Mr. McGowau. The>e two gentlemen, thouglr scarcely belonging to the brilliant order of politicians, have so many personal friends in the House that they cannot be lightly cast adrift. The new* Cabinet, it seems to us, would escape few of the objections that have been urged against the old one. It ii no disparagement to their successors to say that Mr. Seddon would be an irreparable loss, and that Mr. Hall-Jones would be an extremely difficult man to replace. Sir Joseph Ward,' with all hi* rare tact, would not hold the Liberal party together so well as Mr. Seddon has done, and Mr. Millai would not be to the public at large an acceptable successor to Mr, Hall-Jones. Mr. McNab, as everyone now admits, would be a distinct acquisition to the Ministry, and Mr. Fowlds, if he could restrain bis impatience for reform, would make a careful and conscientious administrator. It is a little premature, however, to discuss the revived rumours jn detail. Mr. Seddon's health has greatly improved during the past few month*, aud if it should continue to improve there will be no need for him to seek the lefuge which his opponents claim to have helped in providing for him at Home. The probabilities ft the moment are that they will have to endure his piesence among tlfepi for some time longer."