M.P/S RESTIVE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20366, 25 July 1934, Page 7

M.P/S RESTIVE.

DEMAND FOR CHANGE IN CABINET. “ Old Gang Must Go.” MEETING OF COALITION PARTY URGED. (“Star ” Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, July 25. Asking that a Coalition caucus be called at the earliest possible moment so that the future of the party might be determined, a memorial was circulated for signature in the House this afternoon.- Two copies were in circulation, one being handled by Mr J. Hardest (Invercargill), which was handed to Reform members, and the other by Mr F. Lye (Waikato), which was given to United members. When the caucus is called there will be a demand from many members for a decision as to whether the Coalition is to last or not. Many members believe that there must be a permanent fusion between the two parties and that this must be brought about rapidly so that plans might be made for the next election. If the caucus decides on fusion, the rank and file will demand reconstruction of the Cabinet. As one member, who hitherto has not taken a prominent part in the party machine, said to-day: “ There is an insistent demand that the * old gang * must go.” It is likely that those who desire reconstruction will ask for a Cabinet of twelve members, as they believe that the present division of portfolios among ten Ministers is not leading to efficiency, several Ministers having too much to do, while there are one or two others whose duties are very light. One member of the Coalition said today that the illness of the Minister of Employment (the Hon A. Hamilton) was a clear indication of overwork, and he believed that to deal with the unemployment situation thoroughly it would be necessary not only to give the Minister of Employment no other portfolios but to appoint a Parliamentary xinder-secretary as well. This system has not hitherto been used in the Dominion, but is extensively used in Britain, while in Australia honorary Ministers are appointed at times to relieve work cn the others.