Federal Cabinet Making; Prospects of Coalition Review

Northern Advocate, 22 April 1939, Page 8

Federal Cabinet Making; Prospects of Coalition Review

MELBOURNE, April 21. rpHE PRIME MINISTER, MR. R. G. MENZIES, RETURNED TO MEL--1 BOURNE TODAY AND HAD A ROUSING RECEPTION FROM FRIENDS AT THE STATION, INCLUDING A PIPER TO DO THE PROPER SCOTTISH HONOURS,

Mr. Menzies will devote the week-end to selecting the new Ministry

The speech of Sir Earle_Page, Leader of the Country Party, in the House on Thursday, has produced a profound reaction in the Country Party, which is seeking means of resolving amicably the uncomfortable situation.

Page Resignation Expected

At a meeting of the New South Wales council of the Country Party on Monday. Sir Earle Page may submit his resignation as leader of the party, and. in that event, the popular choice will be Mr. A. G. Cameron, who was Postmaster-General in the Lyons Ministry.

Coalition Names

If Mr. Cameron obtains the leadership, it is thought, the prospects for forming another coalition will be improved. Mr, Menzies said today that the next move regarding a coalition was obviously not for him to make. Mr. Menzies’ cabinet will have 15 members, and their names will be announced on Monday. It is known that some members of the cabinet which Mr. Menzies will appoint will be warned when they are appointed that they will lose their positions if a coalition is formed.

It has been stated that Mr. W. M. Hughes, Attorney-General and Minister of External Affairs in the Lyons Ministry, will not accept office under Mr. Menzies, but there is no confirmation of this report.