THE NEW CABINET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17371, 19 January 1920, Page 4

THE NEW CABINET.

NO DECISION REACHED.

HIGH COMMISSIONERS!!!?.;

STATEMENT BY ME. MASSEY. .:. , : [VZ IELEOBAPH^OWN; COSBESPONDm.j , ' - CHRISTCHURCH. Saturday. ; 0 No, announcement relative 7 to* his proposals for Cabinet reconstruction . can yet be made by/the Prime Minister, nor is he prepared to' say definitely ..who will be the Dominion's next High ; Commissioner. So?far as the latter position is Concerned, however, the appointment of Sir James Alien is regarded as certain. ; > '.'Cabinet reconstruction has not been taken in hand yet," Mr. Massey said. There was really no urgent hurry, for the work of;the Ministry was going on smoothly. It was his desire to get the new men appointed so that they might become accustomed to their work before tha House met, but he thought it only right that ho should first consult with the Government supporters, and so far he had not nad an opportunity of doing so. .there were some of the new Reform members whom he had hardly met yet. Mr. , Massey stated that Sir Thomas Mackenzie's extended term would not expire for some months yet, and even ii a new appointment were made shortly Sir i'homas Mackenzie would continue in office tor some time The Prime Minister was aiied if the new officer would combine the duties of High Commissioner and Resident Minister for the Dominion in Great Britain. "The High Commissioner comes first," was thb reply.' "We must have a. High Commissioner,- although- he might be a man competent to do the work of a Resident Minister when such w6rk requires to be done. I am quite certain that the day will come when the dominions will have Resident Ministers at Home, and when the proper time comes New Zealand will not be behindhand in making an appointment. As to. whether the two offices will be held jointly I am unable to express an opinion at present, but I think it quite possible that this will be the case."