THE CABINET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22610, 29 June 1935, Page 14

THE CABINET

NEED FOR CHANGES CHANCE FOR YOUNG MEN PROBLEM FOR LEADERS When the leaders of the Government —the Prime Minister, Mr G. W. Forbes, and the Minister of Finance, Mr J. G. Coates—return to New Zealand from England it is probable that they will be faced with a strong request from within the Coalition Party for a reorganisation of the Cabinet. The Evening Post states that there is a strong feeling amongst Government members that there is urgent need for the infusion of new blood into the Cabinet and that changes should be made prior to the appeal to the electors at the end of the year. Within the last few weeks a series of meetings has been held in various parts of the Dominion to discuss plans for the general election. Representatives of both .sections of the Coalition—United and Reform—have taken part in the discussions, and it is understood that at one or two of the meetings there was some frank talk. It is stated on good authority that there are some members of the Government Party who hold the opinion very strongly that unless steps are taken to bring about a reorganisation of Cabinet before the general election they have small hopes of being able to retain their seats. Members have been approached time and again by electors who have urged the need for strengthening the Cabinet and they are experiencing difficulty in justifying the present position. In the absence of the two leaders from New Zealand it is not possible to take any action, but it is stated that when Mr Forbes and Mr Coates return pressure will be brought to bear on them to effect a reorganisation at the earliest possible moment. Complaint is made that room has not been found in the Government for the younger men of the party, and, although there is no suggestion of a breakaway movement, the view is held that Cabinet changes would have a healthy effect on the prospects of the National - Political Federation when members go to the polls at the end of the year. Members maintain that Government candidates will not have an easy task ahead of them at the general election, and it is felt that a strengthened Cabinet would prove of great assistance to them in the fight.