WAS CABINET

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 157, 3 June 1940, Page 8

WAS CABINET

TALK OF FORMATION. COUNCIL PLAN JETTISONED. (By Telegraph.—Special to Standard.) WELLINGTON, June 3. Friendly personal talks between the Prime Minister v (Hon. P. Fraser) and the Leader of the Opposition (Hon. A. Hamilton! have replaced letter writing, bringing about a complete change in outlook and suggesting the possibility of a War Cabinet of a representative nature. The almost unqualified endorsement by the Federation of Labour pf the Government’s “all in” policy in relation to the war will, it is confidently expected, make the task of the Prime Minister much easier in promoting complete political unity. The-idea of a War Council can be regarded as definitely jettisoned, being too unwieldly. Attention is now directed to the possibility of creating a War Cabinet of manageable proportions, selected entirely from the two parties in the House of Representatives. This would be an Inner Cabinet entirely responsible for directing New Zealand’s war effort. So many drastic things may have to be done that complete political unity on the directive body would secure the readiest cooperation by the community. Outstanding responsibilities in the war effort rest upon those Ministers holding tile portfolios, of Defence, Production, Finance, and Man-Power Supply. It is therefore thought that if a _ War Cabinet comes into existence it will include the Ministers in charge of these activities, with the Prime Minster presiding. _ ; On the assumption that a War Cabinet may ultimately come into being, attention is directed to the assistance which National Party members could effectively give the new organisation. The names' most prominent are those of the Leader of the Ooposition (Mr Hamilton), who has had long administrative experience, and is a practical farmer who has utilised the most modern methods; Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, whose distinctive military service in the last war would enable him to render effective help in regard to defence problems; and Mr S. G. Holland, with his close knowledge of secondary industries.

An important development likely is that new powers ,of State may have to be exercised to reorganise shipping services by economising the time now spent in loading at coastal ports. Overseas cargo may have to be centralised at the main ports. Those with knowledge of the position contend that by this concentration the loading and despatch of these ships, would enable them to make three voyages in place of two.