Likely To-day.

Thames Star, Volume LXV, Issue 19247, 31 October 1934, Page 2

Likely To-day.

CABINET RETIREMENT. NATIVE MINISTER, ANXIETY OF GOVERNMENT. (Special to Star). WELLINGTON, Oct, 31. The resignation of the Minister for Native Affairs, Sir Apirana Ngata, understood to be now in the hands of the Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes, is expected to be the subject of a public announcement today. It is certain that Sir Apirana will retire from the Cabinet. The report of the Native Alfairs Commission will be presented in the House of Representatives to-day, and Mr. Forbes proposes to make a statement. The nature of this announcement has not been divulged, but it is anticipated that Mr. Forbes will intimate Sir Apirana’s resignation has been accepted and that he himself will assume the portfolio of Native Affairs.-

There is no disguising the anxiety of the Government to ensure that the retirement of Sir Apirana from Ministerial office should have no untoward repercussions in disturbing the friendly relations between Maoris and pakehas. It is expected that Sir Apirana will give a lead in appealing to members* of his race to retain their poise and not to be dispirited. The Government certainly desires that pending events should not impose a check on the prosecution of native land settlement schemes.