CABINET CHANGES.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18027, 23 May 1930, Page 7

CABINET CHANGES.

SIR JOSEPH WARD. RESIGNATION FORWARDED. ALSO THAT OF COLLEAGUES. * (By Telegraph—Press Assn.) ROTORUA, Friday. The resignation of Sir Joseph Ward, together with that of his * colleagues, was sent to the Governor-General yesterday. Sir Joseph will continue treatment in Rotorua for some time. No course as to his future movements has been decided. HON. G. W. FORBES. TO PROCEED TO AUCKLAND. GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S REQUEST. (Bv Telegraph.—Press Association. J v WELLINGTON, Friday. V The Governor-General has forwarded a communication to Hon. G. W. Forbes, requesting him to proceed to Auckland, and accordingly Mr Forbes will leave by train this evening, accompanied by ' Mr Thomson, permanent head of the Prime Minister’s Department, and his private secretary, Mr Mulligan. RE-SHUFFLING OF PORTFOLIOS. SOME SPECULATIONS. (Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, Thursday, it is. not anticipated that any drastic changes will be made by the new Prime Minister when he is called upon by the Governor-General to pick his team. Those who know Mr Forbes best say he is likely to confirm all the present ministers although of necessity there will be a re-distribution of portfolios. Finance Minister. The resignation of the Prime Minister makes vacant the portfolio of Finance, and as Sir J. G. Ward indicated that he does not intend to accept a portfolio in the new Government it will be necessary to All this position. Those in close touch with political affairs hold the belief that Mr Forbes will himself accept this responsibility. In this office he will have the advantage of Sir J. G. Ward’s advice as the present Prime Minister has indicated he will be ready to assist the new Government in every way. If Mr Forbes decides not to take Finance, it is suggested his choice will fall either on Mr J. G; Cobbe, who Is recognised as a successful business man, or Mr H. E. Ransom, who has ■made a close study of public finance, land was a keen critic in this sphere [when he was in,opposition/ Mr, Veiteh is also regarded as having experience on financial matters but Mr Forbes may prefer to retain Mr Veiteh in the important and manifold duties which he now performs. Filling the Vacancies. It is generally considered that Mr Forbes will fill only one of the present, two cabinet vacancies. The , civil list provides for twelve ministers of the Crown. Of aspirants for the office it is considered the _ strongest claimant is Mr A. J. C. Murdoch (Marsden), the Senior Government whip. Some suggest Mr Murdoch will take the portfolio of Public Works, especially if Mr Forbes divests himself of Lands and Agriculture, which portfolios are well suited to Mr Ransom’s capabilities. The names of Mr W. A. Bodkin (Central Otago) and Mr W. J. Broadfoot (Waitomo) have been mentioned as possible ministers, . but it is generally considered that an old Parliamentarian like Mr Forbes is more likely to select men of greater experience in the ‘ House. The same may be said to apply to Mr T. W. McDonald (Wairarapa), who is kifown to aspire to the portfolio of Defence. Another who has been mentioned in connection with cabinet preferment is Mr S. G. Smith (New Ijflymouth), the present chairman of <yjmmittees, and who is regarded as one of the most capable members. Mr Forbes non-Commlttal. Mr Forbes was non-committal today when asked if he could give any Indication of possible cabinet changes. He said he had not yet given the matter real thought, for he was still a member of the Ward Cabinet, and would remain so until the Prime Minister tendered his resignation to the Governor-General. NEWSPAPER COMMENT. DOUBTFUL ABOUT FUTURE. In commenting on the selection of Mr Forbes as the new Leader of the United Party, Southern newspapers congratulate him upon his elevation, but express doubts as to his commanding the continued allegiance of -his present followers. The future of the party is not viewed with optimism.