Federal Labour in Office

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 239, 8 October 1941, Page 5

Federal Labour in Office

Press Gives New Administration Approval

FADDEN FAVOURITE FOR OPPOSITION LEADERSHIP United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright. Received Tuesday, 11.25 p.m. CANBERRA, Oct. 7. The lew Labour Ministry was sworn in to-day, after which the’members of Cabinet assumed office and issued statements emphasising their determination to secure speedy domestic reforms and ensure a hundred per cent, war effort. The various States aro represented in the Cabinet as follows: New South Wales, seven; Victoria, five; Queensland, three; Western Australia, two; South Australia and Tasmania, each one. The omission of the former Labour Prime Minister (Mr. Hcullin) from the Cabinet is due to his poor health, at his ow’n request. The average age of the Ministers is 54, the oldest being Senator Coilings who is 76 and the youngest Mr. Ward who is 42. One member of the party, the Victorian Mr. Blackburn, who is a keen debater but a left-winger, missed inclusion in the Ministry at the eleventh hour owfing to his chance attendance at a recent meeting of the Soviet Australia Friendship League which under the rules of the Labour Party automatically involved his expulsion. Tho newspapers generally approve the Labour Administration and express the hope that it will be given a fair trial. The question of who will become leader of the Opposition is being decided on Wednesday and is now creating interest which brings Mr. R. G. Meuzies back into the picture. It if understood that the post will be filled at a joint meeting of tne United Australia and United Country Parties and that Mr. Fadden is almost certain, to receive] the selection. All the elements which! weighed against Mr. Menzies prior his resignation of the Prime Minister- < ship, particularly his personal unpopu-l iarity, will come against him in the' event of his 'becoming a candidate for that office.