NEW MINISTER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26582, 3 October 1947, Page 4

NEW MINISTER

VACANCY IN CABINET SPECULATION ON CHOICE MR P. G., CONNOLLY’S CHANCE Parliamentary Reporter WELLINGTON, Oct. 2. The vacancy in the. Cabinet caused by the death of Mr James O'Brien, who held the portfolios of Transport and Marine, is expected to be filled by either Mr T. H. McCombs, M.P. for Lyttelton, and Parliamentary Under-secretary to the Minister of Finance, or by Mr P. G. Connolly. M.P for Dunedin Central, and Junior Government Whip. The present indications are. that the choice of the Parliamentary Labour Party caucus which makes recommendations for appointments to Ministerial office is likely to rest between these two, with the odds in favour of Mr Connolly. Although there is always a possibility of surprise in caucus decisions, the, chances of ■ any other candidate who may be nominated are not regarded as very promising. Mr A. G. Osborne, M.P. for Onehunga, and Parliamentary Under-secretary to the Prime Minister, could probably command a good measure of support, but it is understood that he is not prepared to accept nomination.,

When the Minister of Health, Miss Howard, was selected by the Labour Party caucus for appointment to the Ministry after the death of Mr D. G. Sullivan in March last, at least 12 candidates were nominated. Mr McCombs was in the final ballot with

Miss Howard, and the next two places in the elimination process were filled by Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P. for Christchurch Central, who is Senior Government Whip, and Mr Connolly. Although Mr McCombs finished in a better position in the ballot than did Mr Connolly, geographical considerations may well favour Mr Connolly to a greater extent in the coming selection. If Mr McCombs were appointed, Christchurch would have three of its members in the Cabinet, and the same would apply if Mr Macfarlane were chosen. The two Christchurch members already occupying Ministerial office are Miss Howard, who represents Sydenham in the House of Representatives, and the Minister of Labour, Mr McLagan, whose electorate is Riccarton. Dunedin has one Ministerial representative in the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, member for St. Kilda. It is claimed, however, by some authorities that as Oamaru, which is represented by the Minister of Supply, Mr Nordmeyer, takes in Port Chalmers, it has virtually two. In any contest between Mr McCombs and Mr Connolly, the former would no doubt receive the support of the more conservative section of the party while Mr Connolly would be. likely to command the votes of the more radical element. If Mr McCombs received the appointment, he would be the first parliamentary under-secre-tary to be elevated to Ministerial rank. Mr Connolly was elected to Parliament in 1938. He succeeded Dr D. G. McMillan, who was member for Dunedin West. Mr Connolly, who is aged 48, is one of the younger members of the party, though he has been associated with it for many years.