COMMONWEALTH WAR MINISTRY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3007, 19 February 1917, Page 5

COMMONWEALTH WAR MINISTRY

PERSONNEL ANNOUNCED "A STRONG TEAM" SAYS MR. HUGHES *£t. Telegraph-Press ABsociatuitt-Oopyrißht (Rec. February 18, 5.3 p.m.) , Melbourne, February 18. After further lengthy conferences Itvith -Mr. Cook and his own Ministerial tolleagues,_Mr. Hughes announced that (the following Ministry, consisting of Six Liberals and five of Mr. Hngnes's party, to he known as the Commonwealth. War Ministry, had been formed: *Prime Minister and Attorney-Gen-teral —Mr. Hughes (portfolio as before). Minister for the Navy—Mr. Joseph Cook of the Liberal Party and fex-Pre'mier). '.. Treasurer—Sir John. Forrest (a. forInier Federal Treasurer). 'Defenoe—Senator Pearce (bis present portfolio). Vice-President of the Executive Council—Senator Mellen (Defence Minister fcn the Cook Ministry). Minister for Works and Railways— JMr. W: A. Watt (ex-Premier of Victoria and State Treasurer). Minister for Home Affairs and Territories—Mr. P. Glynn (an cx-Attorney-General). 'Minister for Customs—Mr. J. A. ffensen (at present Minister for the Navy). *Postniaster-General—Mr. W. Webster (previous portfolio).•'■'• Honorary Ministers—Mr. S. E. iGroon (an ex-Attorney-General and Minister for Home and External Affairs), land *Senator E. J. Russell (at present Sh honorary Minister). In the course of a statement to the bressmen, Mr. Hughes claimed that he had a strong team, such as would give effect to the de"sire of the people _to prosecute the war with the utmost determination to the end. He also stated that he had asked Sir William Irvine to place his services at the disposal of the Government in relation to a vital tnd urgent' matter arising out of the war,'and he had consented. Mr. - Hnghes refused to explain;'but the deduction is that Sir William Irvine will (ccompany Mr. Hughes to tho Imperial Uonference. .■. ( *Mr. Hughes's Party.