CHANGES LIKELY

Taranaki Daily News, 20 July 1934, Page 4

CHANGES LIKELY

PERSONNEL OF CABINET

ILLNESS OF MR. A. HAMILTON COMPLETE REST ORDERED OTHER NAMES MENTIONED CLAIMS OF MR. S. G. SMITH By Wire—Special to News.) Wellington, Last Night. Early reconstruction of the Coalition Ministry appears to be inevitable in the light of the official intimation of the contemplated retirement from, the Cabinet, or from the administration of .important portfolios, of the Hon. Adam Hamilton, Postmaster-General, Minister of Employment, Minister of Labour and Minister of Tourists and Publicity. Mr. Hamilton’s medical advisers have prescribed for him a complete rest for at least the remainder of the session. With the possibilities this development raises, interest in the political situation is intensified. In some quarters it is predicted that Cabinet reconstruction, if undertaken, will result in (1) the appointment of additional Ministers, or (2) some alteration in the existing personnel of the Cabinet. While Mr. Hamilton’s health gives no cause for immediate alarm, specialists he has consulted are not optimistic of the consequences of the strain of continued application to the heavy duties he has undertaken since the formation of the Coalition in September, 1931. In particu-. lar the work associated with the portfolio of Employment has taken a heavy toll of the Minister’s time and made serious inroads into Iris health. Mr, Hamilton has been informed that his recovery depends upon entire freedom from mental strain and exertion. , . Mr. Hamilton stated to-day that he had informed Messrs. Forbes and Coates of the position and both had agreed that the medical advice shotfld be followed. It is gathered that Mr. Hamilton is disposed to leave himself entirely in the hands of his colleagues, but rather than be the cause of complication is prepared to resign. In any event it is certain that the Minister will have to relinquish his Parliamentary duties for some time. MR. MASTERS’ POSITION. Mr. Hamilton’s possible retirement from the Cabinet will invest the immediate political outlook with much interest and some uncertainty, in view of the suggested reconstitution of the Cabinet which was expected to be a factor -n the movement for the establishment of a permanent fusion of the United and Reform forces. In some quarters it has been suggested that the Hon. R. Masters might relinquish the portfolio of Education and take over Employment, but the rank and file acceptance of such a redistribution is said to be doubtful. Strong exception has already been taken to the fact that Mr. Masters, a member of the Legislative Council, and not an elected representative of the people, holds such an important post as Minister of Education, involving the expenditure of nearly £4,000,000 annually. Even greater expenditure (£4,500,000) is involved in the administration of the unemployment fund, and any suggestion that its direction should come from the shelter of the Upper House is likely to raise a protest throughout the country as well as in the Coalition ranks. There is strong feeling both inside and outside of the House that any reconstruction of the Cabinet would present an excellent opportunity of again making available to the country the services of Mr. W. Downie Stewart, who left the Cabinet when the exchange rate adjustment was made. Mr. Stewart stands high in the estimation of the country, and there is no doubt that his return to the Ministry would be generally welcomed. EX-MINISTERS’ CLAIMS. As ex-Ministers in the United administration Mr. S. G. Smith (New Plymouth) Chairman of Committees, and Mr. A. J. Murdoch, Chief Government Whip (Marsden), must be considered as having claims to preferment in any choice made from the United ranks. Of these two Mr. Smith has a slight advantage, and has also had experience in unemployment administration, being the author of the original Act. Moreover, he has had considerable experience in education matters, and this may stand him in good stead should a portfolio of Education change hands. On the other hand, Mr. Murdoch is a farmer with previous experience of the portfolio of Agriculture, and incidentally was for 28 years a school teacher.

His brief political experience may be a bar to the selection of Mr. A. E. Jull (Waipawa), but the same does not apply in the case of Mr. F. Lye (Waikato), whose name is also mentioned in the list of likely candidates. The Reform choice would be made by Mr. Coates, although the appointment would be conditional on acceptance by Mr. Forbes. Among the Reform ranks at least three names have been canvassed—those of Messrs. A. E. Ansell (Chalmers), A. D. McLeod (Wairarapa) and J. N. Massey (Franklin). Mr. Ansell is a South Islander, but in the lobbies it is considered that he would not have to rely alone on territorial considerations for selection.

MR. A. D. McLEOD'S EXPERIENCE.

Mr. McLeod, of course, has had former Ministerial experience, but it has to be remembered that at the last general election he stood against the Coalition candidate, and it may so happen that Mr. Coates would not risk the chance of causing resentment in the ranks of his party.

Although not an outstanding figure in the House Mr. Massey is a practical farmer and is well acquainted with the export situation. Mr. Massey rarely speaks in the House, but he is known to be a keen student of current affairs, and his opinion is often sought by his colleagues.

Interest in the political situation has been quickened by the suggestion that United and Reform caucuses may be called to consider the future of the Coalition, but developments now in the air are almost certain to hasten the decision.

Accompanying the changes in the atmosphere of Parliament House is the succession of rumours concerning the possibility of alteratipns affecting the present party leaders and foreshadowing the retirement of Mr. Forbes. No credence is given to this report or to the circulated forecast that Mr. Coates intended to accept the position of High Commissioner for New Zealand in London. There is no doubt that a certain amount of confusion exists in the minds of the Coalition members, and steps will doubtless be taken to summon an eafly meeting of Government supporters in order that th“e position may be clarified.

Further evidence was provided this morning of the acceleration of the movement towards permanent fusion will derive from the developments already outlined. Several members of the Coalition have conferred with the object of drafting a memorial to the two leaders urging the immediate and definite amalgamation of the two groups and the reconstruction of the Ministry. When this document is completed it will be submitted to the members of the party for signature.