THE CABINET AND THE PREMIER.

New Zealand Graphic, 27 June 1906, Page 34

THE CABINET AND THE PREMIER.

In 189 C, a law was passed to legalise Rating on Unimproved Values, under a certain form of local option. In this session occurred the various changes in the personnel of the Cabinet to which we have already referred—changes rendered necessary by the retirement of Mr. Joseph Ward, the removal of Mr. W. P. Reeves, and the death of Sir P. Bueklcy. Without repeating our remarks on the constitution of the new Cabinet, we may fairly say that Mr. John McKenzie—whose failing health already gave cause for anxiety—was the only man of proved political experience left to aid Mr. Seddon in supporting the burden of government. The Premier, of course, revelled in the situation. He carried on the work of administration largely by and through himself; and he deluged the House with bills and amendments, almost all of which required his personal supervision. It is sad to reflect how the strong man, confident in his abnormal powers of endurance, was thus wearing himself out in labours, that a more cautious and discreet leader would willingly have shared with his subordinates. But so far all went well; there was no important sign of the effects of this prodigous strain upon his physique and his intellect; and at the general election that took place at the end of 1898, the large majority secured by the Government, was a sufficient proof that Socialistic, legislation was entirely to their taste, and that they had full confidence in the Premier and his colleagues.