A “SHADOW” CABINET

Southland Times, Issue 20648, 21 November 1928, Page 6

A “SHADOW” CABINET

THE NEW WARD MINISTRY. PROBABLES AND POSSIBLES. The probability that in the near future Sir Joseph Ward w’ill be called on to form a Government gives rise to speculation as to the personnel of his Cabinet, states the New Zealand Herald. A definite lead on this point has been given by the United Party in the "shadow Cabinet” which it broadcast a few days before the general election. Whether Sir Joseph will consider himself bound in his Cabinet making by these “shadows” in portraits aad print is doubtful but, if he ignores any cue of them in the process of bargaining a minority into power, the shadows may prove very embarrassing realities. At this stage, however, the shadow may be translated into the sffbstsnce of the Ward Ministry to be. As publshed it consists of 15 members, whereas Reform has been content with 13 Ministeis. The 15 were Sir Joseph Ward, Sir Apirana Ngata, Messrs W. A. Veitch, T. M. Wilford, J. B. Donald, S. G. Smith, E. A. Raisom, G.-W. Forbes, A. J. Stallworthy, J. Cobbe, H. R. Jenkins, W. J. Broadfoot, W. 3. Taverner, J. Connolly and W. E. Taylor Unfortunately in the case of the thre« last-named the seeds of future greatness have fallen on electorally stony ground, although Messrs Taverner and Connolly may prove to be elected when the official counts are completed. In the meantime the chosen fifteen has been reduced to a more manageable team of 12 and Sir Joseph will have to reconcile three fewer claims to the rewards of office. A Minority Party, But that will not make an end of Cabinet possibilities. If Sir Joseph is to lead a House of 80 members, more than 25 followers will have to be fouid. The first resort would naturally be to the Independents and out of the five a Speaker would probably be found in Sir Charles Statham. The Uniteds wou'd still be in a minority of 27—26 votes against 53. Obviously support would iave to be forthcoming elsewhere and the. necessary

quid pro quo in portfolios produced. Therefore it is by no means certain that the 12 to which the original 15 have been reduced will comprise the Ward Cabinet. On the assumption that the 12 do emerge as the new Ministry and that the Independents and members of other parties allow it to survive, it is permissible to assist Sir Joseph in the distribution of portfolios, helped, of course, by the hints contained in the original presentation of the shadow Cabinet. Naturally Sir Joseph Ward would be his own Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. A great many people voted United to see the “wizard” at work and, in any case, none of his own party would wish to deprive Sir Joseph of the task of raising £70,000,000 at 41 per cent, and lending it out at 4f per cent, without any cost in interest or taxes to the Dominion. Little Previous Experience. Only two other members of the shadow Cabinet have had previous administrative experience, Mr T. M. Wilford and Sir Apirana Ngata. It would not be surprising to see the former taking his old portfolios of Justice and Marine, and Sir Apirana is well fittted to act as Minister of Native Affairs and Minister-in-Charge of the Cook Islands. On the printed page Mr W. A. Veitch is plainly indicated as Minister of Railways, although it is not easy to reconcile his policy of go-slow on railway development with his leader’s policy of spending ten millions on the rapid completion of lines. Mr W. B. Taverner is cast in the part of “financial adviser,” possibly a necessary complement to spending seventy millions, but at the moment his return for Dunedin South is doubtful. Mr J. B. Donald, described as a “successful city business man,” might be envisioned as Postmaster-General or Minister of Customs or of Industries and Commerce. Another “well-known business man” is Mr J. G. Cobbe. and there is Mr H. R. Jenkins, “city business man,” both of whom could be considered for the same class of portfolio. When it comes to Agriculture and Lands, there is a confusing number of possibilities. There are four “practical farmers” in Messrs E. A. Ransom, G. W. Forbes, J. G. Cobbe and W. J. Broadfoot, and one “sheep farmer,” in Mr J. Connolly. The return of the last-named is, however, doubtful, which leaves the field to the four “practical farmers.” There is still an embarrassment of riches in this sphere and plenty of room for practical wizardry. Education and Labour. The Ministry of Education seems clearly to have been reserved for Mr A. J. Stallworthy, who is described as a “well-known educationalist.” Still another member of the shadow Cabinet is Mr S. G. Smith, who is recommended as having “represented the New Plymouth electorate for some years.” His prominent connection in the past with employees’ associations would appear to indicate him as Minister of Labour. Outside this published list is the figure of Mr T. W. McDonald, a former colonel in the Staff Corps and an obvious candidate for the portfolio of Defence. So far there has been no indication of a Minister of Public Works, a necessary officer within a party with a huge spending programme. It is possible, if Grey Lynn’s final verdict should be favourable, that Mr J. S. Fletcher’s business record may recommend him for this portfolio. The whole of these suppositions are, of course, gratuitous and the more so because Sir Joseph Ward, if he is to continue as Prime Minister, must seek support outside his party and as a corollary award some of the sweets of office to new recruits.