CABINET REFORM

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9093, 12 July 1915, Page 8

CABINET REFORM

DEMANDED BY GOVERNMENT ORGAN. “A SOURCE OF WEAKNESS.” (From Our Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, July 9. The “New Zealand Herald,” m an outspoken editorial under the heading “Reform in .the Cabinet,” sa-ys:-*• '‘The arrangement of portfolios announced by the Prime Minister can only he accepted, as a temporary measure, in view of the negotiations still proceeding for the formation of a National Cabinet. Should the Prime Min ister’s overture he finally rejected, the uovernment must set its own' house in order and make every preparation for discharging its responsibilities in an adequate manner. This requires drastic reform within the Cabinet itself in the personnel of the Ministry, in the allocation of portfolios, and in the general organisation of administration There is a vacant seat in the - Cabinet at a time when extraordinary burdens are placed upon the Ministry as a whole, and there are members of the Cabinet who ore a source of weakness at a crisis when the nation should put put forth all its strength. There are good men in the Cabinet, as the country has every reason to knew, but there are others who have handicapped Mr Massey since he took office, and who could be replaced from within the party to the great relief of the Prime Minister and his capable colleagues, arid to the great advantage of the Dominion and of the Empire. If coalition is unattainable, reform of the Cabinet is the only alternative which wifi satisfy the country and ensure a coutinuance of public confidence in the Government.”