MANY PORTFOLIOS.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 197, 18 August 1920, Page 10

MANY PORTFOLIOS.

PREMIER WOT OVER-WORKED.

BREEZE IN THE HOUSE.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON , , thia day.

A temporary measure authorising a member of the Executive, as distinct from a responsible Minister, to exercise the latter'rt functions, created a mild .storm in the House to-night, owing to the pointed fashion in which Mr. Veitch called the attention of the Premier to his heavy responsibilities. The bill, it scorns, will enable Sir W. Fraaer to net as mister of Internal Afl'airs during the Hon. G. -1- Anderson's illness, but the member for Wanganui described it as a reflection on the Prime Minister and his party. The question really was whether then' was a Minister capable of carrying additional responsibility. The House said "yes," but the Prime Minister says "no." Mr. Massey. 1 say mo*t emphatically there is. Mr. Veitch: Well, you ai-e contradicting yourself by jour bill." Continuing, Mr. Veitch attacked the l'remicr's policy uf shouldering a multiplicity of portfolios. He thought that if the members of the Cabinet were so strong as theyjought to be, th'py should be able to manage the portfolio of Minister of Internal Alfairs. ae the Premier was relieving them of a number of most important department*. When the present l'rinie Minister was in Opposition he described the late «j|overnment as a heterogeneous lot, and he (Mr. Veitch) thought that this term might be applied to the Government of to-day. It contained the anti-gambling element, anti-drink element, racing supporters, Conservatives and direct actionists. The Prime Minister was overworked, and was carrying too many portfolios. He had a suspicion that the Cabinet was seriously short of a financier.

Mr. Maesey replied that it was not a new idea for a member of the Executive to take part in the administration of the people's affairs. He was only sorry that the measure had been made a vehicle for a personal attack. Regarding his portfolios, Mr. Massey said: "1 don't think I am carrying too many, or that lam overworked. What "portfolios have I? Finance, Railways and Mines, and a number of smaller matters. One of these is so well organised that it does not demand my attention for more than ten minutes of the dayf' He did not feel that he was carrying too much responsibility; in fact he enjoyed it. It wae a splendid thing, he thought, that the Prime Minister should become acquainted with all Departments. He had acquired more knowledge during the last six months than ever previously. Members would recollect this when their time comes, "but that won't be just yet," concluded the Prime Minister amid laughter.