CURTIN GOVERNMENT

Grey River Argus, 8 October 1941, Page 5

CURTIN GOVERNMENT

TAKE UP OFFICE General Press Approval [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.l (Rec. 11.25) CANBERRA!, October 7. The new Labour Ministry was sworn in to-day, after which the members of the Cabinet assumed office. Ministers issued statements emphassing their determination to secure speedy reforms, and to ensure one hundred per cent of a war effort The various States are represented in the Labour Cabinet as follows: — New South Wales, seven; Victoria, five; Queensland, three; Western Australfa, two; South Australia, one; Tasmania, one. There is the omission of the former Labour Prime Minister, Mr J. H. Scullin from the Cabinet. It is due to poor health and is at his own request. The average age of the Ministers is 54, the oldest being Senator Collings, 76, and the youngest, Hon. Mr Ward, who is 42. One member of the Labour Party, a Victorian, Mr Blackburn, who is a keen debater, but is a Left Winger, missed inclusion in the Ministry at the eleventh hour. This was owing to his chance attendance at the recent meteing of the Australia Soviet Friendship League, which, under the rules of the Labour Party, automatically involved his expulsion. The newspapers, generally, approve of the new Labour Administration. They express the hope that it shall be given" a fair trial. The question as to who is to become the Leader of the Opposition is being decided on Wednesday. It is now creating interest. The question brings Mr R. G. Menzies back into the picture. It is' understood that the post will be filled at a joint meet ing of the United Australia Party and United Country Party, and that Mr A. W. Fadden ex-Prime Minister is almost certain to receive the selection All of tl.-j elements which weighed against Mr Menzies prior to hi£ resignation as Prime Minister, particularly his personal unpopularity will come against him in the event •of his being .a candidate for the office of Opposition Leader.