THE NATIONAL CABINET.

Northern Advocate, 21 August 1915, Page 1

THE NATIONAL CABINET.

SPEECHES BY THE LEADERS

When Parliament resumed on Thursday the Prime Minister informally announced that the National Cabinet had come into being, and said it was in the interests of the whole country that party warfare should be suspended, and that

instead of fighting each other, mem-

bers should unite to fight the enemy. He thoroughly appreciated the patriotism and generosity of some of the men concerned. He knew perfectly well that sacrifices had been made by members on both sides of the House. He was particularly thinking of Mr Heaton Rhodes, who filled creditably for three years the important position of PostmasterGeneral and Minister of Public Health. He came forward unasked, and readily and willingly gave up those posts to faciliate the arrangement. He also acknowledged the help of Sir Francis Bell, who had taken the Leadership of the Upper House and the portfolio of Immigration without salary. He felt certain that the country strongly approved of the course that had been taken. What had been done indicated no change in the opinions of members on either side, but it did show that members of New Zealand Parliament were Imperialists first and party politicians afterwards. He hoped and believed that the National Cabinet would be able to do good work for the Empire and for this country. SIR JOSEPH WARD'S VIEW. Sir Joseph Ward expressed the sincere hope that the formation of a National Cabinet would result in achieving all that was expected of it. At a time when the Empire was passing through the most serious crisis during its existence a cessation of party warfare and of conflicting I political interests had been brought about in this country with the object of showing a solid four-square front to the enemies of our country, and to assist throughout the progress of the war to bring about the best possible in every legitimate way for the Dominion. Sir Joseph went on to say, that all would recognise that the late PostmasterGeneral had* carried out his duties in a way that was worthy of him,"and with every courtesy to members on the Opposition side of the House. "To members of the party of which I was the head, am the head, and continue to"be the head (hear, hear), I am personally indebted," continued Sir Joseph. "They rose loyally to a very difficult position, and they gave me every assistance in coming to a decision as to whom should be chosen for National Cabinet honours at a time when the establishment of a National Government was for the good of the Empire and of New Zealand. «. The Prime Minister and myself had both a very difficult task to fulfil. We had to remember that the parties behind us might be more exacting than we were, as they did not know the full position as we knew it. The House has dropped . political party warfare in the hope * , that our united efforts will make this ; country stronger at a time when our men are going out to fight for King ' i and country." (Applause).

PORTFOLIOS AS NOW READJUSTED. In the final re-adjustment the portfolios are held as follows: — The Biglit Hon. IV. F. Massey, I.C, Pi i,-nf> Minister, Minister for Lands, T.'-uKuii and Commerce, Commissioner of TVireszs, Minister in Charge jf t l .'-- l<:v.!il? i'or Settlement,'the Valuation ami r.he S<-,jiiery Preservation Departments. Right lion. Sir J. G. Ward, Bart., P. 0., K.CILG., Minister" for Finance, Postmaster-General, Minister for Telegraphs, Minister in Charge of Land and Income Tax Department, the State Guaranteed Advances Office, the Public Trust Office- and the Government Life Insurance Departments. Jlou. James Allen, Minister for Defence. Hou. IV. H. Herries, Minister, for Railways and Native Minister. Hon. A. L. Herdmau, Attorney-Gen-eral, Minister in Charge of Police and Crown Law Departments, and the new Department to be created dealing with the welfare of returned soldiers.

Hon. Dn McXal), Minister for Justice, Minister for Marine, Minister for Stamps, Minister in Charge ol Tourist and Health Resorts.

Hon. W. Fraser, Minister for Public Works aud Minister in Charge of the Roads Department.

Hon. G. W. Russell, Minister for Internal Affairs, Minister for Public Health, Minister in Charge of the Printing and Stationery, High Commissioner, Audit, Museum, RegistrarGeneral and Laboratory Departments.

Hon. Sir Francis Bell M.L.CS Minister for Immigration ami Leader of the Legislative Council. Hon. I. M. Myers, Minister for Customs, Minister in Charge of' Munitions and Supplies, Pensions, Advertising, and National Provident Fund Departments. Hon. W. D. Mac Donald, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Mines, Min,ister in Charge of the Legislative and Public Buildings, Inspecting of Machinery, State Fire and Accident Insurance Departments. Hon. J. A. Hanan, Minister for Education, and Minister in Charge of Friendly Societies. Hon. Dr. M. Pomare, member of the Executive Council representing the Native race and in charge of Maori Councils, and the Cook and Other Islands Administration.

HOW THE SEATS ARE OCCUPIED. The advent of the National Cabinet has necessitated a change in seats previously occupied. The Ministers occupy two rows of benches on the right of the Speaker. Mr Massey was in the Prime Minister's seat, which forms half .of a double bench Alongside him was fhe Minister for Finance, Sir Joseph Ward, whilst on his left sat the Minister for Defence, Mr Allen, whose bench mate is the Minister for Railways, Mr Herries. Another front Ministerial bench which has now been made necessary, on the-right of Sir Joseph Ward, is occupied' by the Hons. A. L. Herdman and Dr. McNab. The Ministers in the- second row of benches, from left to-right are: The Hons. W. Fraser, J. A. Hanan, G. W. Russell, Dr.. Pom are, A. M. Myers, and W. D. S Mac Donald. Oh the Opposition side of the House j there have also been changes. Mr Wilford (Hutt) has taken the seat of ths Leader of 'the Opposition, whilst his companion is Mr Poland (Ohinemuri). Other members of the party who have moved up.to prominent front seats ait Messrs G. Witty (Riccarton) and H. G. Ell (Ohristchurch South).