CABINET-MAKING

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 134, 3 December 1935, Page 12

CABINET-MAKING

AN ONEROUS TASK

WEALTH OF TALENT

With the Labour caucus In session, interest in the selection of the members of the first Labour Administration has quickened, and the chances of many members of the party of securing Cabinet rank are being freely discussed. The allocation of portfolios will be the first difficult task that will confront the Prime Minister-elect. Cabinet-making has never been an easy task, and on this occasion it is particularly onerous, as Mr. Savage has a wealth of talent from which to choose. In view of the many intricate problems facing the Labour Government, it is unlikely that Mr. Savage will burden himself with' the control of many Government Departments. His chief job will be to exercise a general control over the Government, and his only portfolio in addition to the Prime Ministership is likely to be that of Native Affairs.

Finance is one of the most important of the portfolios to be allocated. It has been customary, particularly in the past, for this to be taken by the Prime Minister, but on this occasion it seems practically certain that Mr. W. Nash will be invited to assume control of the Treasury. Mr. Nash would bring many outstanding qualities to the position. During the last Parliament he was one of the Government's keenest critics on financial matters, and many wordy battles took place between him and Mr. Coates. In addition, Mr. Nash has mad> a lifetime study of economic problems. Another keen student of financial and economic questions is the member for Waimarino, Mr. F. Langstone, whose pamphlet on guaranteed prices was widely discussed during the election campaign, but preference is likely to be given to Mr. Nash, who has been one of the most prominent members of the Labour Party over a long period of years and is now. National President. Another Labour stalwart who is regarded as being certain of receiving preferment is Mr. D. G.. Sullivan, member for Avon ' and sitting Mayor of Christchurch. Mr. Sullivan's keen interest in questions affecting the welfare, of the .unemployed suggests that he will be selected as Minister of Employment and chairman of the Unemployment Board. With these duties he is likely to be asked to undertake tli^ec of Minister of Labour, a portfolio which will probably assume more important proportions under a Labour Administration. One of the points, on which Labour consistently attacked the Coalition was the manner in which the powers of the Labour Department had been whittled away, and it is suggested that Mr. Sullivan possesses the driving force necessary to bring new life to the Department.

The certainty of important changes being made in the machinery of the Arbitration Court also makes it desirable that there should be a strong Minister of Labour in the new Cabinet. Health and Education appear to be two portfolios that will be handled by one Minister, and the logical choice at the moment appears to be the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Mr. P Fraser. Mr. Fraser has always taken a leading interest in .health matters and, in addition, is regarded as being one of the most able men in the Labour Party. It is certain that he must secure a prominent place in "the new Administration, and in view of the developments that will take place in regard to health insurance and education Mr. Fraser's capabilities would fit him for the responsibility attached to the two Departments mentioned. Of course, the Labour Party also has at its disposal a qualified doctor in the' member for Dunedin West, Dr. D. G. McMillan, who has played a leading part in the advocacy of health insurance. He is a new member, however, and may have to wait awhile beforebeing given Cabinet rank. In an-y event, he would make an admirable first lieutenant for Mr. Fraser.

LEGAL MINDS,

The fact that there are three lawyers m the Labour Party—Mr. W. E. /Barnard (Napier), Mr. F. W. Schriimm (Auckland East), and Mr. H. Qi. R Mason (Auckland Suburbs)—makes the portfolios of Attorney-GenerM and Justice somewhat open. It U k practically certain that one of the/je gentlemen will be selected as Sp?;aker of the new House, and it woutfi appear that the choice will, be Mr. Mason, who has all the necessary qualities for the position. He not only possesses the requisite dignity, 'but he has a sound grasp of the Standing Orders and the necessary legal training. Mr. Barnard, it is suggested, will be" asked to take over Justice, and with this he may combine Industries and Commerce. In some quarters it has also been suggested tha/,'Mr. Barnard has been marked do\im as the next High Commissioner. The term of office of the present High Commissioner (Sir James Earr) expires at the end of the present year. If Mr. Schramm d/jes not receive Cabinet rank he wt'.l be well in the running for the portion of Chairman of Committees, a position that would be well suited to his qualifications. PUBLIC WORKS. Public Works will be an important portfolio under Yhe Labour Government,., for it has already been indicated that the new Administration will initiate many works of importance, including the completion of the NapierGisborne railway line. There is also to be an investigation of the South Island Main Trunk line, which may also be comp/.eted in the near future. Two Labour members who must be considered for the portfolio of Public Works are .Mr. R. Semple (Wellington East) and Mr. W. E. Parry (Auckland Central). Both are men of practical experience.

For the portfolio of Defence there

are several possibilities, as the Labour Party includes several r aturned soldiers in its ranks. Thosci in the running appear to be Mr. J. j \, Lee (Grey Lynn), Mr. W. J. Jordar i (Manukau), and Mr. Barnard.

The Labour Party bas an expert farmer at hand for th? . portfolios of Lands and Agriculture. He is Mr. W. Lee Martin (Raglan), who was first returned to Parliamer it in 1928 but lost his seat in 1931.- Of course, the fact that he has had .broken service may count against hirw, but his farming experience mug'i stand him in good stead. . ,

li> view of the ia .iportant chaiages which are bound to take place in the control of broadca? Wng, the office of Postmaster-General, -which incorporates that of Minister o£ Telegraphs, wQI be an important one. Mr. E. J. Howard (Christchurch Sou.th) seems a likely pick, as he has bs.en one of the leaders of the attack ou. the Government on broadcasting qusstions. The q'aalifications of the Rf/v. C. Can- CHmaru), who has a first-hand experience of actual broadcaf ;ting, may have to be considered, fc.ut Mr. Howard's long and valuable s.ervice to the pfiity must count in his favour.. If he seicures the office he will, also be asked, to carry minor portfolios as well.

There are several practicr.l miners in the Labour Party, and the choice of the Minister of Mines may be between Messrs. P, C. Webb (Bijller) J O'Brien Otfestland), H. T. '.Armstronl (Christchurch East), and W E Parry (Auckland Central). MINOR POSTS. In addition to members of the Ministry, tv/o minor posts wijl have to be filled. These are the two Government Whips. In the past the .'Labour Party has nut differentiated between the two Whips, but in view of tbs.fact that the party will now be the /government it is probable that it will be necessary to have a Chief Whip ar.d an assistant. It As suggested that ,'Mr. R. McKeen (Wellington South) ro ay be asked to fill the position of CJ uef Whip.