Mr. Ward Back in Cabinet

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 224, 21 September 1943, Page 5

Mr. Ward Back in Cabinet

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) Received Monday, 11.50 p.m. CANBERRA, Sept. 20. All the retiring Ministers with the exception of the Minister of Transport (Mr. Lawson) were re-elected in the Labour caucus ballot for the new Ministry to-day. Mr. A. A. Calwell (Victoria) will fill Mr. Lawson’s place. The portfolios will be allotted by Mr. Curtin to-morrow and the new Ministry will then be sworn in. Mr. Curtin was elected Prime Minister and Mr. Forde Deputy Prime Minister unanimously. Other members of the new Cabinet are Messrs. Chifley, Beasley, Ward, Makin, Holloway, Drakeford, Scully, Dedman, Fraser, Lazzarini, Evatt, Frost, Calwell and Senators Keane, Ashley, Cameron and Collings.

Mr. Ward, who was suspended by Mr. Curtin, shortly before the old Parliament dissolved because of his charges about a missing document connected with the Brisbane Line, was elected on the first count but he will not assume Ministerial position until Parliament ha 3 had an opportunity of considering the findings of the Royal Commission which inquired into his charges ana found them unproven. Even if the House approves of Mr. Ward’s reinstatement —and there is little doubt it will—it does not necessarily mean that Mr. Ward will be again allotted his former portfolio of Labour. The newcomer (Mr. Calwell) is one oi the most powerful men in the Victorian Labour movement. He has lately been a consistent critic of Mr. Curtin, particularly over the extension of the area wherein the Militia can serve.