OVERHAUL COMING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22242, 30 January 1947, Page 6

OVERHAUL COMING

CABINET POSTS SPECULATION RIFE MR. MASON AS JUDGE? IS.R.) WELLINGTON. Jan. 29. Cabinet reconstruction is a subject of lively speculation as a sequel .to what happened at the Parliamentary Labour caucus after the general election It was reported at that time that there would be an overhaul the Prime Minister was not expected to deal with the matter until the new year. The waterside trouble gave several weeks' anxiety to the Government and interfered with consideration of any future plans. However, developments are expected soon and rumours centre on Mr. H. G. R. Mason, Minister of Education and Justice. His former portfolio, Native, was transferred to the Prime Minister a few weeks ago in deference to the expressed wish of the Maori people.

A suggestion has been made that as there is a shortage of judges Mr. Mason might take a position on the Supreme Court Bench. This would necessitate a by-election for Waitakerie, in which case the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. F. W. Schramm, might be a Government candidate. His return would enable him to resume the Speakership, which under the present conditions, is regarded as a certainty for the present chairman of committees, Mr. R. McKcen. However, the question arises whether the Government would undertake any electioneering risks on its small margin. The substantial majority for Mr. Mason in Waitakerei suggests that the Government, would take tlie risk and that Mr. Mason would follow the example of a predecessor, Mr A. L. Herdman, in leaving Ministerial office for the judiciary.