THE NATIONAL CABINET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17066, 26 July 1917, Page 4

THE NATIONAL CABINET

RUMOURS OF DISSENSION. ' MEETING OF LIBERALS. (Feom Oue Own Cobhespondent., WISLLLNGIOiS, July 25. The rumour ot dimensions in the Cabinet winch were reierrtd to in the House yesterday provided quite an exciting topic tor discuss.on in the lobbies to-day. Soma members consider that tne possibility ot a split in tne Nat.onal Cabinet is very real, while others do not attach so much signi- ' licanco to the recrudescence ot party leeling which manifested itself yesterday, it is quite certain., however, that a considerable amount of unrest exists among members. There are party undercurrents at work, and some members—how many it is impossible ro say—seem anxious to precipitate a crisis. Some of the Liberals proless to believe that tne Liberal members of the Cabinet are not receiving fair treatment. There are indications tnnc mischief makers have been busy, and there are signs that further trouble is brewing. The Prime- Minister resents the attempts which have been made to place him in a false position. lie stated yesterday that he did not intend to submit quietly to the wire pulling that had been going on, and he remarked that members would understand what he meant in the very near future, 'lhis remark has given rise to a considerable amount of discussion. Some members are oi opinion that it foreshadows the possibility of a general election in the near future, but this is probably an unduly serious interpretation ot Mr Massey's hint. There is, however, trouble in the air, and the likelihood of dramatic developments cannot be iigntly set aside. A meeting ol Liberal members was held to-day to consider the situation. Those who were present are very reticent regarding the proceedings They aro particular to explain that the conterence was not a caucus but a general meeting of the party. At the outset the meeting amrmed its fidelity to the National Government, but it was made clear that this did not mean that the Liberals were satisfied with the Cabinet as at present constituted. Opinions in favour of certain changes in its personnel were freely expressed. It is well known' that certain prominent Liberals feel that their claims to Cabinet rank have not received due consideration, and these aspiri ants are probably hoping that a rearrangement of portfolios might - enable them to find their way on to the Treasury benches. The ; meeting decided to set up a committee ol" five —a sort of vigilance committee—to act as candid critirs of the Government, 'this, no doubt, means that the Reform Ministers will come in for special attention, and the committee is also expected to see that the Liberal point of view finds more adequate expression in legislation and administration. Among other matters. specially referred to was the excess profits tax, the- general opinion being that it should be repealed or radically altered. The possibility of cooperation with some. Reform members was discussed, and the idea of entering into negotiations with them was mooted, but no definite step in that direction appears' to have been decided upon. Reform members freely exercise their rights of criticism, but they know that they can do this without joining in any movement designed to cause a political crisis. The new plan of campaign outlined at to-day's meeting is not likely to promote harmony. ce good feeling in the House or Cabinet, and some members, think it may imperil the stability of the National Government. If any considerable section of the House is , not going to play the game fairly and squarely there is bound to be serious trouble before the session is much older, and a severe strain will be placed upon the " Act of Union."