OPINIONS OF M.P.S'.

Otago Witness, Issue 2861, 13 January 1909, Page 37

OPINIONS OF M.P.S'.

(From Our- Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, January 7. Mr F. E. Baume, K.C., M.P.", was j averse to giving utterance to any state- | nient other than that he did not believe j that the appointments made would give that satisfaction to the party and the country which the Prime Minister anticipated. " Personally I consider that the reconstruction is decidedly disappointing " said Mr C. H. Pooie, M.P., "and it" is quite evident that much dissatisfaction will be expressed throughout the country at the personnel of the new Cabinet. I am forced to admit that I think it is a matter for regret that the weight of administration will still remain in the south, and the loss of the Hon. J. M'Gowan from Cabinet rank will weaken our representation to that extent in the north. I am hoping, however, that the Hon. ft. M'Nab (l(ate Minister of Lands) will be induced to contest the Thamas seat, aud if elected (as he deserves to be) it will be some compensation for the loss of the Hon. J. M 'Go wan." CHRISTCHURCH. January 7. Mr Ell. M.P., was generally eulogistic lof the new Ministers. In speaking to a Press interviewer he said: "While, in ' view of the fact that my name had been j persibtently associated with the possibility j of appointment, I would be naturally much : le?a than human if I did not feel disappointed, yet I recognise my duty to be j perfectly plain. It is to co-operate with those who have been eelected to the high office of admin&tratons, and to assist them in the discharge of their responsibilities, in order that the best government of the Dominion may be secured with the greatest amount of benefit to the community." Mr Laurenson also said some amiable things of each of the nevr Ministers. On being questioned as to the reason why he has not been one of the " lucky ones," Mr Laurenson said : " This question has already been put to me by a number of people. All I can say in reply is that I would rather have people asking why J have not been appointed than have had them asking why such an honour had been conferred upon me." On being asked as to his opinion of the new Ministers in regard to the land question, Mr Laurenson said he would Tather not exprees any opinion on that subject at the present juncture.