THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24369, 22 September 1944, Page 6

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

New leader to be APPOINTED

FILLING OF CABINET

VACANCY

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, September. 21. An announcement of the name ox the new leader of the Legislative Council is expected in a few_ days. There had been some doubt whether the Hon. D. Wilson, who has been continuing to act in that capacity since his return to New Zealand because of the illness of his, wife, which led to her death, , would resume his duties as High Commissioner at Ottawa. However, it is now understood that he will do . so. ’ ■ a In that Svent, it is generally assumed in Parliamentary circles that the present Chairman of Committees m the Legislative' Council (the Hon. B. Martin) will succeed him. Mr Wilson was a member of the Cabinet as well as .leader of the council, and there has been some speculation whether another Minister will be appointed, this time from the lower house. In the ordinary course of events the'under-secretaries, Mr A. G. Osborne gird Mr J. Thom, would seem to have the strongest claims, particularly the former because of the way he administered defence matters during the <absence Of the Hon. F. Jones last year. However, the names of Mr Clyde Carr and Mr L. G; Lowry- have also been mentione'd. The-"subject has /not - been 1 sb freqbently . idiscussed: recently as it was a few 'when the impression was that Mr Lowry might be the one chosen for elevation to cabinet rank. It is probable that his chances of selection are.'still' at least as good as those of others, if not better, although the. narrow margin by which he held" his seat-may be a factor.