Possible Distribution Of Cabinet Portfolios

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1949, Page 5

Possible Distribution Of Cabinet Portfolios

(From Our Political Correspondent) WELLINGTON, Thu.—The Prime Minister-elect has a wealth of political experience on which to draw when making his Cabinet app°There are no f eW er than eight lawyers, all of whom cannot be Attornev-General, although the legal profession is regarded as a good introduction to Ministerial responsibility in a wider field than the law.

There are 13 fully paid ministerial positions, together with that of the member of the Executive Council representing the Maori race. Mr Holland will also have to find a Speaker of the House of Representatives and a Chairman of Committees, and, ultimately, fill the positions of Speaker and Chairman of Committees of the Legislative Council. It happens that ihe present holders of these offices, the Messrs Bernard Martin and M. Connelly respectively, retire on March 9 next, their term as councillors expiring on that date, together with seven other councillors. Some temporary appointments will become evident, with the new Prime Minister making it clear that his policy is some drastic revision of the present Upper House. Regarding the Cabinet, it is assumed confidently that the outstandingly important portfolio of Finance will be taken by the new Prime Minister, who may also select External Affairs, though this subject has been principallv handled in the House by Mr Algie, DEPUTY LEADER’S POSTS? Next in importance comes Mr Holyoake, the Leader’:' deputy. His experience marks him out for the joint portfolios of Agriculture and Marketing.

that portfolio and possibly the Post-master-General’s portfolio. There is an embarrassing problem involved in the wealth of talent available for legal positions, such as Attor-ney-General, and much depends on the general distribution of other portfolios. Mr Algie may become Minister of External Affairs if the new Prime Minister considers this responsibility can be taken by a colleague, otherwise Mr Algie may have the position of Minister of Justice and AttorneyGeneral. RODNEY’S MEMBER In this, connection Mr T. C. Webb, whose facility in legal draftsmanship has frequently been utilised in framing amendments to legislation before the House, must also be considered. Another member, Mr Oram, is particularly interested in education and may secure this important portfolio. The allocation of places for legal members includes the Speakership of the House of Representatives and, if none of the lawyers already mentioned is nominated for this position, it may be taken by Mr Harker. The latter, however, would make a suitable Minister of Maori Affairs, for his electorate covers an important Maori area and he has shown a very close interest in this question. I’ROAD FOOT'S CL A IMS Mr Broadfoot, Chief Whip of the party, will be entitled to an important portfolio, and his experience marks him as a possible Minister of Lands and Minister of Forests. Another likely Cabinet aspirant is Mr Bovrden,' who may succeed Mr Nordmeyer as Minister of Industries and Commerce. Mr McAlpine, as a Canterbury member, has a geographical claim and his local body experience suggests the possibility of his being the new Minister of Internal Adairs and Social Security. The practical building cx-pcrience of Mr W. Sullivan ooints to the new Minister of Housing, though Mr Sullivan is sure to secure other Cabinet posts, including La bo or.

Mr Goosman has been the outstanding Public Works critic when in Opposition. and he is likely to succeed to this important portfolio.

Dunedin’s adherence to Labour deprives it of ministerial representation, but Southland will reap its reward because Mr T. L. Macdonald, who has given such good service as a Whip, is marked as the most suitable Minister of Defence in the new Cabinet.

WOMAN HEALTH MINISTER Mrs Ross has already been mentioned to succeed Miss Howard as Minister of Health, and she may also take charge of the Child Welfare Department, a branch of tire Education Department. There is a possibility that Mr Bodkin, with his extensive legal experience of mining matters, may be given