FEDERAL CABINET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23178, 26 October 1938, Page 16

FEDERAL CABINET

NEW BLOOD ADVOCATED NATIONAL DEFENCE PLANS MR. STEVENS' FUTURE TRANSFER SUGGESTION [from our own correspondent] SYDNEY, Oct. 21 Australian newspapers have seldom indulged in so much conjecture as they have this week concerning the likely transfer to Federal politics of the Premier of New South Wales, Mr. B. S. Stevens, as a revitalising force in the all-important problem of tho day—the financing and putting into effect of tho national defence plans.

For several years, tho transfer of Mr. Stevens to Canberra has been the subject of periodical discussion. It has been generally conceded that, at the right time and place, the change would bo made. Mr. Stevens has always indicated that his task has been in New South Wales. He caine originally into politics to kill the Lang regime, and to keep it killed, and ho has succeeded in doing that. Recent events indicate that he thinks the time has come when Canberra's call can no longer be resisted. The conjecture began about a fortnight ago when Mr. Stevens, over the national radio network, gave a survey of the implications of the Czechoslovakia n settlement. People were mystified that a Stato Premier should have made this broadcast, which it was obviously the duty of the nation's Prime Minister to do.

Driving Force Needed lor Defence Next came the announcement that Mr. Stevens had relinquished the Treasurership, to which Mr. A. Mair was appointed. That led to the conjecture that Mr. Mair was being schooled, if not for the Premiership, then at least for the deputy-Premiership after the promotion <rf Mr. Stevens' present first lieutenant, Mr. M. F. Bruxner, who is leader of the State Country Party. Within a day or so, obvious "feelers" were put out about Air. Stevens' iuture. They concentrated on the need of a driving force in Federal administration to concentrate on the defence expansion plans. But it is unlikely that Mr. Stevens would bo content with the routine work of defence. If the Prime Ministership was not available, the Treasury, it was widely assumed, would be the alternative.

Now it is suggested that Mr. Stevens might be made in Charge of Defence Co-ordination. Even the Melbourne newspapers, usually suspicious of moves begun from Sydney, are supporting Mr. Stevens' removal to Canberra in some such portfolio. Influence of Mr. Lyons Waning

The power and influence of the Prime Minister, Mr. J. A. Lyons, are waning. The "hero of the depression" is losing—has lost, many say—the punch and force that then made him outstanding in Australian politics. The necessity for placating the demands of the Country Party, his partners in coalition, has weakened his administrative keenness and strength. Though still popular and highly respected, there is a feeling that he cannot, in the present necessity of keying-up national effort, fulfil the inspiring role of leadership. Most well-informed observers are satisfied that Mr. Stevens will shortly be in the Federal Ministry. Conjecture now centres on what effect his inclusion in the Cabinet would have on present Ministers.

It is generally agreed, that apart from any other effect Mr. Stevens' inclusion would have on the Cabinet generally, it would touch closely on the future of two of the most important members of the Ministry—the AttorneyGeneral, Mr. P. G. Menzies, and the Treasurer, Mr. R. G. Casey. Both have been suggested as possible Prime Ministers, and they could not regard the advent of such an obvious rival as Mr. Stevens with equanimity.

The fooling is growing "that Sir Frederick Stewart, mombor for Parramatta, who made a gesture when the composite Ministry was formed in 1934 by resigning his place in the Ministry, to make room for a Now Wales Country Party representative, will repeat this public-spirited action, and place his safo seat at the disposal of Mr. Stevens.

The Sunday Sun, Sydney, in its last issue, said there was no immediate prospect of Mr. Stevens entering Federal politics. The events of the week, including the Premiers' conference at Canberra, had proved that he would not bo welcomed in the Federal Cabinet.