THE NATIONAL CABINET

Southland Times, Issue 17486, 29 July 1915, Page 5

THE NATIONAL CABINET

GOVERNMENT’S OFFER REFUSED. FURTHER N EGOTT ATIONS UNLIKELY". (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 28. The Government party held a meeting after the House rose at 5.30 p.m. for the purpose of considering the reply received from the Opposition as the result of their caucus this morning. Seen at the close of the meeting. Air H. D. Guthrie, Chief Government Whip, stated tiiat Mr Massey laid the Opposition's reply before his party, which reply was a refusal of the terms offered by tiie Government for a National Cabinet. General regret was, said Mr Guthrie, expressed by the party that such a reply had been given to what were considered fair and reasonable proposals. Air Guthrie further stated that it was unlikely that negotiations would be proceeded with.

With regard to the failure of the National Cabinet scheme the Parliamentary reporter of the Dunedin Star wired yesterday afternoon ;—“ln view of the position arising from the rejection of the proposal as to the formation of a National Cabinet, the Government will at once reconstruct the present Ministry. Air H. D. Guthrie, senior Government Whip, will certainly be promoted to Alinisterial rank, probably obtaining the portfolio of Education: be may \also be given the portfolio of Agriculture. Reconstruction will also be effected as regards the important portfolios of Finance and Defence, and it will not be surprising if the Hon. James Allen retains Finance and the Right Hon. W. P. Massey takes over Defence. It is hoped to bring down the Budget on Friday night. '