“JUST KITE FLYING” SAYS MR COATES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17830, 26 April 1926, Page 1

“JUST KITE FLYING” SAYS MR COATES.

WILL NOT DISCUSS MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS; MESSRS BOLLARD AND NOSWORTHY NOT LIKELY TO RETIRE.

(Special to the “ Star.") WELLINGTON, April 26.

“Just kite flying,” declared Mr Coates, when a prediction was published that Messrs F. J. Rolleston and J. A. Young will share the portfolios of Education and Postmaster-General just vacated by Sir James Parr.

The Premier was not disposed further to discuss Ministerial arrangements, except to point out that the prediction had overlooked the fact that there is an actual vacancy in the Cabinet to be filled, and that possibly this week an appointment will be made. It has become evident to close observers that the antici- j pations regarding the retirement

of Mr W. Nosworthy and Mr R. F. Bollard are unlikely to be fulfilled. Mr Nosworthy has not yet handed over the Finance portfolio to Mr Stewart, who is absent in the South, while an indication of the permanence of Mr Bollard in the Cabinet is provided in his recent move into the Ministerial residence vacated by Mr Coates, on taking over the Prime Minister’s official residence. A most important Ministerial rearrangement was expected, due to the Premier’s anxiety that he be relieved of his duties as Minister of Public Works. It has been understood that Mr A. D. McLeod, Minister of Lands, was marked for this responsibility, but indications now point to the contrary. The possibility of unemployment difficulty during the winter and the big problem involved in regulating the competition of motor buses against the systems owned by taxpayers and ratepayers provide for the Minister of Public Works two outstanding tasks for immediate attention, consequently Mr Coates, who will not shirk his responsibility. will probably prefer to keep it in his own hands for the present.