A STRONG TEAM

Timaru Herald, Volume CXL, Issue 20283, 5 December 1935, Page 8

A STRONG TEAM

CALIBRE IMPRESSES MR SAVAGE GOVERNMENT IN SAFE HANDS By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, December 4. In an interview, Mr M. J. Savage expressed his personal satisfaction at the manner in which the members of his party had acted. During the sitting of the caucus it had become evident to him that the Labour Party had a remarkably strong team and the work of the Government could safely be entrusted to them. “When Cabinets are selected,” said Mr Savage, “one would expect those who were left out —and some must of necessity be left out—to experience a sense of disappointment, but there was no evidence of this at the caucus when I announced my team. There was a great spirit of unanimity which augurs well for the future of the Government Party. I am greatly impressed with the calibre of the men who will assist Labour to put its policy into effect.” Forecast of Ministry. It is understood that Mr W. J. Jordan, Manukau, will be chosen by the new Government as High Commissioner to succeed Sir James Parr, and Mr W. E. Barnard (Napier) will probably be the Speaker of the new House. The following may be taken unofficially as the probable Cabinet selection, the principal portfolios only being mentioned:— Prime Minister—Mr M. J. Savage. Minister of Education and DeputyLeader of the House of Representatives—Mr P. Fraser (Wellington Central). Minister of Finance—Mr W. Nash (Hutt). Minister of Public Works—Mr R. Semple (Wellington East). Minister of Lands and Agriculture— Mr W. L. Martin (Raglan). Minister of Employment—Mr D. G. Sullivan (Avon). Minister of Justice and AttorneyGeneral—Mr H. J. R. Mason (Auckland Suburbs). Minister of Internal Affairs—Mr H. T. Armstrong (Christchurch East). It is understood that the other four members of the Cabinet will be Messrs F. Jones (Dunedin South), P. C. Webb (Buller), F. Langstone (Waimarino), and W. E. Parry (Auckland Central). The selection of the new Cabinet will probably involve the resignation of several members of Wellington local bodies. Mr Fraser is a member of the Wellington City Council, and Mr Semple and Mr Nash are members of the Harbour Board. It is understood that the resignations will be delayed until after the meeting of Parliament in February. Friends to Share New Home The family with whom the future Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr M. J. Savage, shared his home for more than 20 years, will not be separated from him when he moves shortly to take up his residence in Wellington. Mr Savage, who is a bachelor, stated that he intends to occupy the residence in Molesworth Street, which has been the home of the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes during the last two years. In stating his intention to reside more or less permanently in Wellington during his term of office, in order to be “close to the job,” Mr Savage said he was arranging “for the good people who had looked after him” to share his Ministerial home. They are Mr and Mrs A. J. French, in whose home Mr Savage lived when he first went to Auckland from Australia. Mr Savage mentioned that Mr French was one of the survivors of the Wairarapa wreck. He was on his way from Australia to New Zealand when the Wairarapa went ashore on Great Barrier Island. “One cannot live with people all those years without a common bond being established,” Mr Savage said. “I should feel lost without the companionship of such friends.” A Good Comrade Through nearly 30 years of ceaseless work with a common purpose, the cause of Labour, New r Zealand’s future Prime Minister and his friends of a generation, Mr and Mrs A. J. French, have lived under the same roof. No wonder then that Mr Savage should insist that his friends live with him in the house at Molesworth Street, Wellington, which has been the home of Mr Forbes. More than 29 years ago Mr Savage went to live with the Frenches in Ponsonby, and the three have lived as one household for the last eight years at Herne Bay. Through years of the closest association Mr French has formed the deepest admiration for Mr Savage, for his ability and never ending humanitarian acts. “You could not have a better comrade,” said Mr French, in an interview at Auckland this morning. I have never met a finer man. Mr Savage would defend the absent all the time. There has never been one moment of friction between us in all those years. Mr Savage loves his home, also pottering about his little study. He is thoroughly domesticated, taking a turn , at anything about the house. At one time he bought a set of bowls, but has not found time to play. He has kept himself poor by his generosity, always ’ being prepared to help. Never in the years I have known him has he once deviated from the course he is following to-day. His interest in people who need help most has always been and is still paramount in his eyes. Mr Savage is not a church-going man. If you ask him his religion he will say my religion is my duty to my neighbour.” He keeps himself fit with a little gardening and running the lawnmower over the several lawns at his home. Occasionally he uses dumbells. He can dance a hornpipe or a jig and is fond of good music. Often he listens to the radio in the evening, but turns off jazz. He is a great reader.” Mr and Mrs French do not know definitely when they will leave for Wellington. “We would not like to be away from Mr Savage,” they said.