DISTRIBUTION OF PORTFOLIOS

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23051, 20 June 1940, Page 8

DISTRIBUTION OF PORTFOLIOS

MR DOIDGE’S COMMENT

fFrom Our Parliamentary Reporter.]

WELLINGTON, June 19,

Cabinet comments by Mr F. W. Doidge (Opposition, Tauranga) aroused some interest during the Imprest Supply Bill debate in the House of Representatives to-night. Referring to the portfolio of defence, Mr Doidge said that the present Minister (the Hon. F. Jones), while he was a man of tremendous industry, had been appointed to that post at a time when it was one of the least important in the Cabinet; but now.it was the most important; and it should unquestionably be filled by a big man, who could do the job. There were in the House returned soldier members who could do the work well, among them being the'Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates (Opposition, Kaipara), Mr J. A. Lee (Democratic Labour, Grey Lynn), and the Speaker (the Hon. W. E. Barnard). Later, when referring to Dr. D. G. McMillan’s elevation to Cabinet rank, Mr Doidge said he had .at least brought something that was badly needed to the Ministry, that was, brains; but it was 10. be hoped that before long he would be exchanging his seals of office for a rifle and bayonet, for, if the use of manpower meant anything, it surely meant that.

What he described as the somewhat unworthy reference to the new Minister for Marine by Mr Doidge was replied to by Mr A. H. Nordmeyer (Government, Oamaru). He said Mr Doidge had implied that Mr McMillan’s appointment was somewhat unfortunate employment, and that he might be better employed in the fighting services. “He was elected by his fellow members in caucus,” Mr Nordmeyer said, “and there is not a member on this side of the House who does not applaud the appointment made. May I say that those who know the new Minister for Marine intimately, and of the serious illness he underwent two years ago, know that no medical board in this country would pass him for overseas service. The suggestion made from that side of the House is altogether unworthy, and I repudiate it.”