DOMINION POLITICS.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18024, 20 May 1930, Page 7

DOMINION POLITICS.

CABINET RE-CONSTRUCTION

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE.

MR. F. LYE MENTIONED

Perhaps the chief political topic in the Waikato at present is the likelihood of a re-shuffle of the cards consequent on the retirement of Sir J. G. Ward. There is much speculation as to the personnel of the reconstructed ■Cabinet and there is a strong feeling in parts of the South Auckland area that greater consideration should be accorded the north in the Ministry. At present the north has only five Ministers, and when the ratio of progress and all-round development is taken into consideration it must he admitted that such feelings of dissatisfaction are justified.

In agricultural development South Auckland has set a lead to the Dominion in late years and it deserves now a much closer association with the administrative department of Agriculture. It is felt in the Waikato that there being every likelihood . of this portfolio being vreant, the claims of South Auckland should be seriously considered. It is also considered in quite a large circle that if the portfolio of, agriculture has to be allotted then the member for Waikato, Mr. F. Lye, has the necessary qualifications. It 'ls appreciated that to-day agriculture is among the most important of offices comprising the Ministry, and that agricultural development will depend to a large extent upon the practical ability of the Minister selected for this office.

The possibility of Mr Lye’s appointment to a higher office was rumoured subsequent to the-last general election and that rumour is again abroad. As to Mr. Lye’s qualifications there is no doubt about his practical ability. He is a farmer' of 26 years’ experience. For 14 years he was a farmer in Taranaki, vVhere he owned two farms and still retains one of them. For six years he a member of the Joll Dairy Co., and was a provisional director of the Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society of Hawera. Twelve years ago Mr. Lye came to the Waikato and since then he has successfully farmed in the Cambridge district. Twelve months following his arrival in Cambridge he was elected to the Cambridge .Dairy Co. directorate, a position he still holds, and he. can claim to have done good work in placing the company upon its present sound footing. Mr. Lye has travelled extensively in the Dominion and more especially in the Auckland Province. He is a practical farmer able to go on any land and express a reliable opinion as to its value and its producing possibilities. The Government of this country to-day requires practical men in such offices and should t'he agricultural portfolio need allotting during the present week, then it is felt that Mr. Lye’s capabilities should receive consideration.

ATTITUDE OF LABOUR. i STATEMENT BY LEADER. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WAIROA, Monday. Referring- to the political situation, Mr li. E. Holland, leader of the Labour Party, said he thought the main effect of the resignation of the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, would reflect itself through the United Party, which had been built up round Sir Joseph Ward’s personality, and wholly owed its continued existence to him. Its elements were so extremely diverse that with Sir Joseph no longer at its head it was more than possible it would soon find itself beset with internal troubles. That fact might easily hasten a political crisis. So far as the Labour Party was concerned, its declared attitude had not been changed. It would stand by the principles outlined in the decisions reached at the spepial meeting of the party held in. February, and confirmed at the annual Labour conference at Easter. Mr Holland said in view of of the appalling situation regarding unemployment, and the importance of kindred problems, almost equally serious, Parliament should be called together at the earliest possible moment. There was no reason why, without waste of time,' the House should not get down to business.