INTERVIEW WITH THE PREMIER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2848, 14 October 1908, Page 89

INTERVIEW WITH THE PREMIER.

(Faoii Our Ows Correspondent ) WELLINGTON. October 9. "There is little or nothing that I can say further than what 1 have already etated in the House,'' said the Prime Minister wli2n interviewed lat?r by a representative of the Dominion. It «js too early yet to say jinvthing regarding the future of the office. Mr HaU-Joncs would be leaving New Zealand in time to take up duty iv London early in January. " Y-es," he said. '' I ihali be sorry to lose my colleague. He hab been a very hard working and a very useful colleague in every way. He held valuable qualifications that eminently fitted liim for his work. Personally I feel very sorry at the piospect of his departure. He has been a member of the House for many years, since 1890 I believe, and he has also had a long a«ociation with the Ministry." The Hon. Mr Hall-Jones, who had retired to his private office in the buildings immediately after the announcement, and who lia-d there remained the greater part

of the night, received congratulations from many of his friends. He declined to be interviewed on any future intentions he might have. It is certain that the Minister will not stand for the Timaru &9at in v the forthcoming. election. It is almost certain, too, that- the Government candidate will be an old friend of the Minister's (Mr Craigie), who was for several years mayor of Timaru. Mr Craigi© would have sought political honours long ere this had not his friendship for Mr Jones prompted* him to avoid the contest. The removal from actual politics of the Hon. Mr Hall- Jones will necessitate the appointment of another Minister, but nothing will be done mitil after the elections. Members of Parliament generally seem to have little united opinion* as to who the cardidate will be. especially the selected one.