THE FEDERAL CABINET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21919, 1 October 1934, Page 8

THE FEDERAL CABINET

In offering to the Country Party two full portfolios and one assistant Ministership, Mr. Lyons, the Federal Prime Minister, satisfies the wishes of those who hold thai; the election carried an implied understanding with the people that the United Australia Party and the United Country Party would collaborate in the new Parliament. Whether or not, says the Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian people, by their vote in 1931, intended that these two parties should collaborate in the. Commonwealth's recovery, beyond all question that is their instruction now. The electors had presented to them by the Prime Minister and Dr. Page policies differing but little in their constructive plans. The one dividing issue is that of tairiffs. It was that issue which prevented full co-opera-tion in the last Parliament. In 1931 Mr. Lyons, whose party had secured a bare majority of the whole House, invited the Country Party to share the responsibilities of government. Dr. Page requested the portfolio of Customs, but Mr. Lyons would accept no dictation of this kind, and the Country Party remained aloof. Mr. Lyons' following is now just short of a clear majority, but this fact does not necessarily compel him to offer Cabinet seats to the Country Party, seeing that he might safely challenge the Country Party to join with the Labour Parties in a vote of no-confidence. The balance of power that is held by the Country Party loses much of its importance, seeing that it is just as hostile to Labour as is the United Australia Party, if not more so. Mr. Lyons doubtless is actuated by the widespread desire to combine his own and the Country Party forces for the rehabilitation of Australia, the rural aspect of which now presents the most serious problems. Coalition, in the full sense of the word, may not be possible, but it would certainly strengthen the hands of the Government in its heavy task if a truce to party bickering were brought about. In regard to the tariff it has been emphasised that the Government is largely guided by the recommendations of the Tariff Board, that the personal influence of the Minister of Customs, whoever he may be, is limited, and that under no circumstances could the Country Party, if sharing Cabinet responsibility, force any great change in the policy. It now rests with Dr. Page to say whether there will be a composite Ministry. His answer may have repercussions outside Australia.