PRESSURE OF WORK

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 102, 1 May 1940, Page 11

PRESSURE OF WORK

POSTS RELINQUISHED. MR. FRASER'S REGRET. "IN CAPABLE HANDS." Telegraph.-—Press Association.) WELLINGTON', Tuesday. In a statement to the Press to-night the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, said the portfolios of Education. Health and Marine, a.s well a* charge of Mental Hospitals, had been placed ill very capable hands. It was with great reluctance he was compelled bv pressure of work to relinquish them, but ill view of additional duties occurring through the war situation it was quite impossible for him to carry out efficiently the Ministerial administration of such important Departments. Mr. Fraser said he wished to express his appreciation for very many requests lie had received from education boards and other educational governing authorities, from school committees, parents' associations, teachers' organisations and many individual teachers and others interested in education that he should remain Minister of Education. 11l normal circumstances be would most certainly have endeavoured to continue his direct personal association with the many activities of the Education Department. The same remark applied to the position of Minister of Health. He thanked hospital boards which had urged his retention of the portfolio for their expressions of goodwill. Mr. Fraser said he would like to take this opportunity of thanking all publicbodies, departmental officers and private individuals who ha<l extended their help and co-operation to liim in bis Ministerial work during the last four years and a half. He regretted he had not been able to follow the example of Mr. Savage and assume the portfolios of Native Affairs, Cook Islands and External Affairs, but it was quite impossible in the present circumstances. Mr. Langstone brought both cx|K>ricnce and sympathetic insight to the administration of these positions.