NEW ZEALAND’S CABINET.

Evening Star, Issue 23564, 1 May 1940, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND’S CABINET.

At a meeting of the Labour caucus in Wellington early last month, following Mr Savage’s death, the Hon. P. Fraser was appointed Prime Minister and the existing Cabinet was confirmed in office. It was announced that the question of any addition or additions to the , existing Ministry Would be the subject of a report by the Prime Minister to the caucus. Mr Fraser also intimated that the whole question of Cabinet selection would be reviewed by the caucus at the end of the year. The next step was for Mr Fraser to submit to the GovernorGeneral the resignation of himself and the other members of the temporary Government, and to lay before him proposals for a new Ministry. These have been accepted by His Excellency, and the allocation of the portfolios is now announced. In the war period the heaviest burdens will fall on the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defence. and the Minister of Finance. It was imperative, therefore, that they should be relieved of some of their portfolios, so that they may be free to devote their attention to the supreme tasks that come within their province. In addition to relinquishing the control of the Health and Marine Departments, Mr Fraser has handed the portfolio of Education to Mr Mason, who is well qualified to undertake the duties. At the same time regret will be felt that Mr Fraser is giving up this particular portfolio, for his administration of this department has been widely appreciated. A glance at the tasks entrusted to Mr Nash will be sufficient to show why in this time of national stress the Ministry of Social Security should be placed in other hands. It will be noted with satisfaction that Mr Fraser takes control of broadcasting, which previously was held by Mr Savage. There is a strong feeling abroad that the time is overdue for a revision in some particulars of the methods of this department. Eight through the Empire everything sinks to small dimensions in comparison with the great peril in which it stands. The settlement of domestic, differences and aspirations must wait till that peril has passed. The National Party has promised the fullest assistance to the Government in pro-

secuting its war effort. It is to be hoped that tho rebellious and discontented faction among tho Labour members of the House of Representatives will show similar loyalty in this hour of a supremo crisis. The prosecution of political aims and personal ambitions is entirely out of place in the circumstances which exist at present. The extreme Labour elements profess to bo deeply concerned for the welfare of the workers. They can show their sincerity in this matter by refraining from hampering tho Government by harassing tactics.