THE DISPERSION OF MINISTERS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 4740, 14 December 1886, Page 3

THE DISPERSION OF MINISTERS.

Onoi-oiom Ministers are scattering themselvet over the colony. We do not, of coarse, grudge them their Christmas holid*y», or object to those who have homes in other parts of the colony spending the holidays at those homes, but it is absurd to suppose that the many grave and important matters which have arisen since the session to require the consideiation and action of the full Cabinet can have been satisfactorily dealt with in the four day* during which the Ministers in charge of departments have been together. Still less v it possible to conceive that within that pniod they have been able to even dimly outline a policy for the future, which will enable the colony, in the face of the dtftoit arising from a falling revenue to carry on itspubho works to completion, and prsvent serious stagnation in business. We think Ministers have had ample time sines) ths> prorogation to have made themselves thoroughly familiar with all subjects appertaining to their departments in every portion; of the colony, and that as soon as ever the holiday season is over, they shunkl reassemble here and settfe steadily, doirato the work of preparing to meet Puluunent first and the country afterwards. It is of coarse desirable that Ministers should make themselves personally acquainted with all portions of the oolony ; but as we have said, sufficient time hat now been devoted to this portion of their duty. To reap the full value) from the information they have gathered in their tours, they want to exchange facts in views. This must be a work of time. It cannot be done in a few days. Ministers, as we have before fotfttfd eat, also have higher duties* than merely departmental ones, and full ins tereoaraeftnd consultation between thb»> i essential to the due performance of those duties. There is a slightly anplea nut feeling abroad that there is nut that amount of unison bt opinion and know-

ledge of each others views and purposes exißteut amongst the members of the f vbinet which it is desirable should exist. T':ia no doubt arises from the ftiw occasi us on which they meet and exchange i'i'.v.'s. To be strong in themselves and ab!.) to oppose a strong front to their eiK mies they must thoroughly understand each others sentiments, and know how far each is prepared to concede to hia colleagues. This cannot be the case if during a recess of eijlit or nine months the members of the Cibinet on y spend a few weeks in close personal communication with each other.