The Waikato Times MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1935. THE BRITISH NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19598, 10 June 1935, Page 6

The Waikato Times MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1935. THE BRITISH NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

The British Cabinet has been reconstructed. Mr Stanley Baldwin, the Leader of the Conservative Party, replacing Mi an ‘''/ MacDonald, the Labourite, as Prime Minister, the latter accep mg the position formerly held by Mr Stanley Baldwin, that o °. 1 ' C President of the Council. The Government does not lose any of l ■ claim to be regarded as a National or Composite Cabinet by tie change; on the contrary it has strengthened that claim.

The reconstruction announcement was not unexpected. been hinted for several weeks past that changes were contemp a in view of Mr Ramsay MacDonald’s impaired health and phj siaa ability; Mr Baldwin who, in the somewhat frequent periods that the Premier was indisposed has acted as Prime Ministei, being men tioned as his successor.

It was while Mr Ramsay MacDonald was Prime Minister as eac of the Labour Party, that the National Government was formed. He and some of his colleagues recognised that they were confronte with difficulties wffiich no one section of the House could satis ac torily deal with. An appeal was therefore made to the leaders o the Conservative and Liberal Parties for their aid and co-operation, and it stands to their credit that, recognising the position was serious, they placed tho interests of the country before those of party, and consented to co-operate, leaving Mr MacDonald undisturbed in the position of Prime Minister.

The result of the combination has proved most beneficial. . The National Government has been able to deal with difficult and intricate questions and to carry through measures of moment, which would have been impossible under the party system. That has not been accomplished without friction. There have been malcontents ar.d, in some instances, differences of opinion have reached the length of party splits, but the National Government lias been a blessing to Britain, and has provided an object lesson to the world. Britain has emerged from the morass and is once more on solid ground, whilst other countries have failed, to find a firm foothold.

Some time ago Sir Herbert Samuel, the Liberal Leader, feeling that the National Government had finished its task resolved to withdraw, but this feeling was not shared by some members of the party and they decided to remain at their posts, in which they had then, and have since their leader’s withdrawal, rendered invaluable service. Sir John Simon deserves special mention for upon him has, in difficult days, rested the arduous burden of the Foreign Office, a portfolio be lias now relinquished for that of the Secretary of State for Home Affairs, Sir Samuel Hoare succeeding him at the Foreign Office.

Whilst general regret will be felt that Mr MacDonald has been forced to relinquish the leadership, particularly so as the step is necessary owing to the unsatisfactory state of his health, it is gratifying to know that the National Government has not been weakened, but considerably strengthened by the process of reconstruction. The re-arrangement of portfolios and the inclusion of new members will undoubtedly be beneficial.

Far from the National Government’s task being complete, it is evident that in the present disturbed state of the world that a strong administration is more essential than ever —and that is assured by the reconstruction and strengthening now announced.