UNDER-SECRETARY APPOINTED

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25160, 16 April 1947, Page 5

UNDER-SECRETARY APPOINTED

MR MOOHAN TO REPLACE MR THORN LABOUR PARTY CAUCUS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, April 15. The appointment of Mr M. Moohan, M.P. for Petone, ss a Parliamentary | Under-Secretary, has been made by the Prime Minister (Mr P. Fraser), who said this evening that it had been assented to by to-day’s caucus of the Parliamentary Labour Party. Mr Moohan will replace Mr J. Thorn, who was defeated at the General Election in November, as Parliamentary UnderSecrets ry to the Prime Minister. No steps were taken by the caucus to fill the vacancy in the Cabinet caused by the death of Mr D. G. Sullivan. Mr Fraser said several other pending appointments would also not be decided immediately. The caucus concluded in the late afternoon, but another is to be held on Tuesday. May 13. Feeling reference to the services given by Mr Sullivan vas made at the caucus by the Prime Minister, who referred to the great loss which had been suffered by the country, the Cabinet, the Lebour Party, and the city of Christchurch in particular. The caucus passed a resolution of sympathy with the relatives of Mr Sullivan, and stood in silence for a few moments as a mark of respect. Discussing the business of the caucus, the Prime Minister said questions had been discussed relating to the economic situation of the country, and affecting both primary and secondary industries. The Minister of Defence (Mr F. Jones) reported on his visit to the New Zealand occupation force in Japan. The caucus also carried a motion expressing appreciation of the services of Mr Thorn to the Labour Party, and wishing him every success in his new appointment of High Commissioner for New Zealand in Canada. The caucus voiced its confidence that he would represent New Zealand with dignity and ability. .