BIG MAJORITY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 81, 5 April 1940, Page 8

BIG MAJORITY.

CAUCUS VOTE. ON SHOW OF HANDS. SELECTION OF NEW LEADER. MR. FRASER CONGRATULATED. (By Telegraph.—Special to " Star.") WELLIXGTOX, this day. The Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, was to-day the recipient of a large sheaf of telegrams and cable* congratulating him on his elevation to his new office. Parliament Buildings, which yesterday was the scene of so much suppressed excitement, has quickly reverted to its normal quiet of the recess, with Ministers and officials going about their routine tasks in the knowledge that no more developments are likely for at least six weeks. At the end of that period the Prime Minister is to submit to another caucus of the Labour party a report on possible Cabinet additions and portfolio readjustments. At yesterday's meeting it was agreed that the whole question of the Cabinet be reviewed at the end of this year. By this time all member* of the original Labour Cabinet appointed by the late Mr. Savage will have had five years in office, and possibly some of them may feel disposed to make way for other members of the party. Xbrmallv this review would take place immediately prior to the general election, but in thfs case the caucus has decided that this procedure should be advanced by nearlv a year. It has the advantage of "enablim* any new Ministers who may be appointed to become thoroughly familiar with their portfolios before entering on the election campaign. Newspaper representatives who waited for the caucus to adjourn at lunch-time yesterday did not expect to hear that after less than two houre and a half discussion the caucus in selecting its leader and confirming the Ministry in office, had settled a question that had been the subject of widespread and, in some casee, extravagant speculation up and down the country for some days. Voting on Show of Hands. That this was done in hours instead of days was a tribute to the firm, tactful and frank handling of all these points by Mr. Fraser, who is known to appreciate the importance of democratic control within the Parliamentary party. * Reports current regarding the voting on the leadership issue show how overwhelming was the new Prime Minister's majority. It was agreed that voting should be on a show of hands on a preferential basis, candidates' names being submitted to the vote in alphabetical order. The first nominee, the Rev. Clyde L. Carr, who was proposed by the Hon. W. E. Barnard, received three votes, Mr. Fraser. who was nominated by the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, polled 33 votes, and Dr. D. G. McMillan, proposed by the Rev. A. H. Nordmever, received 12 votes.' With such an absolute majority in Mr. Frasers favour there was no need to operate the preferential system. With the death of Mr. Savage and the expulsion from the party of Mr. J. A. Lee, the caucus strength was reduced from 53 to 61. In addition, there were three absentees yesterday, the Hon. F. Langstone and Mr. H. f. Ratana, who were indisposed, and Captain W. T. Lyon, who is on active service overseas. As the three candidates did not vote, the full voting strength of the caucus is accounted for. It was taken for granted that the afternoon session of the caucus would be devoted to the selection of a deputyleader, among other things, but it now transpires that the question was not discussed. Xo doubt it will come up for consideration when the Prime Minister submits his report to the caucus six weeks hence. It is believed that the Hon. Walter Nash is the likelv choice for this post.