MENZIES CABINET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23338, 5 May 1939, Page 6

MENZIES CABINET

(PROSPECTS FOR FUTURE COUNTRY PARTY ATTITUDE SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATION [from our own* correspondent] SYDNEY, April 28 Odds' are lengthening against the prospect of a general election, although there is eager speculation about the probable eouuse of events in the House of. Representatives next week. Chances of the Government being voted out of office by the leader of the Country Party, Sir Earle Page, and his closest followers,, are less likely than were thought last week. The Labour Party may not be prepared to take advantage of discord on tho Government side of the House to force ail election, because it cannot hope for a Labour Senate before July, 1941; the Lang-He fir on dispute still splits the party in New South Wales, and 'more time is needed to obtain election campaign finance. " Political observers believe that the Merizies Government will survive with discriminating support from the Country Party, occupying tho cross benches. The position has been clarified to a great extent by instruction from the New South Wales executive of the Country Party to its Federal Parliamentary representatives to support on its merits legislation introduced by the Menzies Government. This applies as much to Sir Earle Page as to other Country Party members, most of whom are Sir Earle Page's staunchest supporters. Mr. Menzies will not bring down legislation that will cut across the policy of the Country Party. A clash on national insurance will be avoided-

It would bo difficult for Sir Earle Page to get sufficient followers if he plotted to wreck tho Mcnzies Government on any other issue. The state of the-parties now is: United Australia Party, 26; Country Party, 17; LabourParty, 29. Excluding an Independent Country Party member, and with the defection of three - members following Sir Earle Page's personal attack on Mr. Menzies, the Country Party numbers have been reduced to 13. To defeat the Government bn the floor of the House, Sir Earle Page would require at least eight of the 13. It is practically certain he would not receive such support in any vote involving'the life of the Government, but if it is possible to humiliate the Government on a question that is not vital Sir Earle Page may be expected to seek , the opportunity for his own satisfaction.