Cabinet Ministers

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30453, 29 May 1964, Page 10

Cabinet Ministers

Sir, —Mr Nash says that he was able to work under heavy strain without health impairment, and he is to be congratulated on his robustness. He should not forget, however, that in 1952 he had a partial breakdown and had a recuperating sea voyage to England. I am sure that Mr Nash does not mean it, but the inference can be taken fror- his remarks that our present Ministers are not “tough” enough to withstand the demands made on them. It is pertinent to remind Mr Nash and the public that it is not so long ago that Mr Nordmeyer suffered a heart attack, and that Mr D. G. Sullivan, Mr Peter Fraser, and Mr Skinner all died earlier than they should have. These were all Labour members who, I am sure, worked just as hard as their National counterparts but similarly found the strain too much. Democracy is precious and we should not overburden those who virtually sacrifice all their time in its service.— Yours, etc., - H. E. RADLEY. May 28, 1964.

Sir, —Congratulations to the Rangiora branch of the National Party for their courage in making their remit on ministerial responsibility. They are right. 1 have written evidence of it.—Yours, etc., DEMOCRAT. May 28, 1964. Sir, —The huff-on-a-high-horse—“l’ll ride off”—attitude of a Cabinet Minister at a National Party meeting is unworthy. Surely in democracy leadership involves acceptance of, and facing up to, criticism. Maybe the remit was unwisely framed, but the essence of it could possibly represent the thinking of many. Manly rebuttal was the answer, if it could be given, not childish touchiness.—Yours, etc., POOR SHOW. May 28, 1964.