FEDERATION OF LABOUR

Chronicle (Levin), 3 April 1946, Page 4

FEDERATION OF LABOUR

— Press Association

MR. McLAGAN RESIGNS - PRESIDENCY

Bv Telearayh-

WELLINGTON, April 2. President of the New Zealand Federation of Labour since its ineeption, Hon. A. McLagan. has resigned. The , national exeeutive ' has accepted the resiguation, but he has been invited to continue as president untiLtihe- annual conference in June. In resigning. from .the national leadership .of the indpsfrial labour movement, Mr. McLagan- will' be fifee to concentrate on political activity. He. has stated that he wishes to put his energies into Ministerial work. He has. been wartime Mini.stef of 'National Servi, e, but the Parliafhentaf-y' 'Laboiir' alibus refused to endorse him as peacetime Minister of National .Employment on the ground that he has no seat in the House of Representatives. He is expected to be a candidate at

the general election, possibly for Buller if Hon. P. C. Webb retires, or for a Christchurch seat if a uew one is ereated there. It is learned tliat Mr. MeL.agan is to undertake ad'ministrative work associated with the portfolio of Employment under the Act passed last session. The portfolio of Minister of Employment, however, will be held by the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. P. Fraser). Mr. Fraser said today that Mr. McLagan was first appointed as a member of the War Administration, and when that was terminated he remained in ofiice. Mr. Fraser shid that, at iiis request, ilr. McLagan had agreed to remain as a Cabinet Minister and Leader of the Legislative Council. ' ' While the portfolio of Minister of Employment will be held by myself, " said Mr. Fraser, "the actual administiative' work will he carried out by Air. .McLagan, who is still Minister of National Servi'c.e. ' ' : :