THE NEW MINISTRY

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 15 April 1922, Page 5

THE NEW MINISTRY

BY CABLE—PBESS ASSOCIATION -COPY&IGBT SYDNEY, April 13. A new Ministry has been sworn in. .Sir George Jb'uller is Premier.

The Cabinet comprises: Mr Oakes, Chier Secretary and Health] Mr Cocks, Treasurer; Mr Uavin, Attorney-Gener-al; Mr Wearne. Lands and Forests; Sir Ihomas Henley, Works, Railways and Housing; Mr Bruntnell, Education and Industry; Mr Fitzpatrick, Mines and Local Government; Mr Ball Agriculture; Mr Ley, Justice. Mr Farrer who is a member of the Legislative Council, has the portfolio of Labour Mr Chaffey will be assistant Minister of Lands and Agriculture. Sir Joseph Carruthers, Vice-Presi-•dont of the Executive Cuohcii of thee Progressives, strongly favoured a reduction in the number of portfolios. The retention of the full number by Sir George Fuller was considered likely to give offence to the Progressives. Air Henley, the new Minister of Works, who will control all State industries, expresses uncompromising hostility to State trading activities, stating he intends to adopt a drastic policy of non-interference with private enterprise.

There is some surprise at the appointment of Mr Farrer, who was formerly a prominent Labourite, and who joined the Nationalists after the Labour split on the conscription issue.

■ _ SYDNEY, April 14. Mr Brunner, leader of the Progressives, says the number of new Ministers is a shock to the people. He is surprised and disappointed that no attempt has been made to reduce the number of portfolios. It seemed as if offices were created for men instead of vice versa. The country's interests had been completely subordinated; notwithstanding the Coalition Act only three Country Party members, of whom t#d are city solicitors, were included in the Ministry. Mr Brunner subsequently paid a courtesy call on Mr Dooley at a private hospital. The visit possesses political significance.