CABINET SEATS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 224, 21 September 1935, Page 13

CABINET SEATS.

MISSED BY LABOUR. COALITION NEGOTIATIONS. STATEMENT BY MINISTER. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Friday. "Where was the Labour party when the Coalition was formed?" was a pertinent question asked in the House of Representatives to-day by the Minister of Health, Sir Alexander Young, when speaking on the Budget proposals. He had been referring to the theories and advice given to the Government during the depression. "It is a mistake," he said, "for anybody to expect to get something for nothing." Self-reliance had to be encouraged and people taught not to rely upon the Government for everything. To Sir Alexander's query there was a chorus of Labour voices. "We are still here," they said. Sir. Alexander: Where you will be after the election? The Minister went on to say that Labour stood out of the Coalition negotiations at a time when they could have obtained one or two seats on the front benches. Labour voices: One or two? Sir Alexander: Yes. I think you were entitled to them. Mr. H. T. Armstrong (Labour, Christchurch East): We will have the lot directly. Sir Alexander: You are like the boy who whistled to keep up his courage.