The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, JULY 15, 1912.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3575, 15 July 1912, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, JULY 15, 1912.

It is, we feel, not surprising to find that the personnel of the new Government has created a very favorable impression. With such a lot of “good material” available Mr Massey had, of course, every opportunity of forming a strong, capable Ministry. liis chief difficulty, it will then, be recognised, would bo in doing full justice as between the claims of so many colleagues to Cabinet rank. In this connection the new Prime Minister was undoubtedly aided considerably by the decision of some of the older members of the party to stand aside. Noteworthy in this regard were Mr W. C. Buchanan of Wairarapa and Mr John Bollard, senr., of Eden, both of whom have rendered many years of unselfish service in the interests of governmental reform. As far as one can make out the only appointments which have occasioned surprise in any quarter are those of Mr Fraser and Mr Fisher. In Mr Fraser’s case it is not suggested for one moment that ho is not a very able member, and well qualified to carry out the duties attaching to his portfolios, including that of Public Works. What is suggested, however, is that the member for WakatipU is now too old to hold a position involving such an amount of arduous work. As Mr Fraser has passed the “allotted span” ono. might conclude that some weight might attach to the objection, but, on the other hand, it must be pointed out that there are few more “wide awake” members in the, House to-day. Nor. in Mr Fisher’s case do the objections which one hears arise on the ground of inability. As a matter of fact the efiief complaint is merely that without him Wellington would have a reasonable

Who will he Appointed?

amount of representation in tho Ministry, which is no doubt the position if the matter is to be studied only from a geographical standpoint. There is, however, another objection to his inclusion and that is that his name has in the past been associated with the advocacy of the leasehdlcl, principle and certain very “advanced” proposals. In this regard, however, it should bo mentioned 1 that Mr Fisher 1 has for some two or three years stood very loyally to tho Reform party. Until he deals with his position himself the matter might then, we think, be allowed to' remain in abeyance. But apart from those two alleged “weak spots” nothing but praise is being bestowed on Mr Massey in regard to his choice of Ministerial colleagues. One portfolio, however, remains unfilled, and speculation is rife as to who will bo selected for tho position. The general view, it may have been noted, is that it should fall to the representative of a North Island constituency and it is almost certain that this will prove the case. Some people, it is true, have suggested that it is being kept for Mr J. A. Millar or Mr R. McKenzie; but we have no hesitation in scouting tho idea. Tho names which have been most consistently associated with the vacancy are those of Messrs Hine (Stratford), Okey (Taranaki), Newman (Rangitikei), ,and Guthrie (Oroua). If it were left for disposal among the gentlemen in question, it would, we think, be difficult to say which would be appointed, as all are experienced, practical members. But, as if to enhance interest in the matter, Palmerston North, it appears, wants a Minister and so the claims of Mr Buick now also come up for consideration. Wliat is regarded as Mr Buick’s strongest qualification for tho office is that lie is particularly well-versed in the needs of tho small farmer and chat his appointment to the vacant portfolio would give satisfaction throughout the many country districts adjacent to his constituency. The general anxiety to learn what is going to be done in tho matter is, however, not likely to be allayed at once, for Mr Massey has already indicated that it is not intended to fill the vacancy for some time.