THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1949. THE NEW MINISTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27259, 9 December 1949, Page 6

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1949. THE NEW MINISTRY

There are no surprises in the Cabinet appointments announced by the Prime Minister-elect, Mr Holland, but this is all to the good. Long years on the Opposition benches have given most of the new Ministers valuable experience and in many debates their chief interests have become well known. This fact enabled most of the political prophets of the past week to make a number of accurate forecasts of the allocation of portfolios, but some of the re-grouping had not been expected. The Cabinet which has been chosen is one in which the fullest confidence may be placed. Hearty congratulations will be generally extended to the new Ministers on recognition which has been made of their services. Collectively and individually their Tasks will not be light and, as Mr Holland has pointed out, they will be obliged to make considerable sacrifices. There is one peculiar difficulty with which they will have to contend. It was simple enough in one sense for the Labour Ministers to take over from their predecessors, but it will not be so simple for the National Cabinet to take over from Socialism.

Greatest public interest centred on the appointment of the new Minister of Finance. This ifnportant portfolio Has been taken by Mr Holland himself. There is ample precedent for this from the days of Stafford and Vogel to those- of Ward. In successive Budgets Mr Holland has led the attack of the Opposition and his interpretations of the state of the country’s finances have been provocative and valuable. It has to be noted that Mr Holland is not over-loading himself as he has taken the precaution of appointing an able Associate Minister. Mr Marshall and Mr Fortune are also nominated as assistants to the Prime Minister. The other departments formerly under Mr Nash's care have been widely re-allocated. Satisfaction should be given by the appointment of men of practical experience to the portfolios of Agriculture and of Lands. It will be noted with interest that Maori Affairs, which Mr Fraser himself took in compliment to the Native race in 1947, is now grouped with the latter portfolio. Mr Doidge will be as much at home with External Affairs as Mr Algie will be with Education. Mr Goosman appears to have been given the heaviest duties, but the grouping has something to recommend it, and Mr Goosman has Mr Sheat as Parliamentary Under-Secretary in his chief task. The linking of Health with Social Security and of Defence with War Pensions and Rehabilitation also appeal. The appointments of Mr Macdonald to the latter portfolio and of Mr Bodkin to Internal Affairs will be especially welcomed in the South for reasons of local pride, but it Ywill be generally acknowledged that the selections are well made.