CABINET PERSONNEL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 November 1940, Page 4

CABINET PERSONNEL

STATEMENT BY PREMIER. SUGGESTIONS DISCREDITED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. ’ “It is quite correct that the question ’ of the personnel of Cabinet will be under review before the end of the year, but there is no justification for thinking that Ministers who have given excellent service and proved themselves able administrators will be discriminated against by the party,” said the Prime Minister. Mr Fraser, last night. He was referring to a published statement that the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Lee Martin, the Minister of Health, Mr Armstrong, and the Minis-

ter of Internal Affairs. Mr Parry, had been mentioned as likely to be replaced in any Cabinet reconstruction that might be made. Mr Fraser said that Mr Parry had been one of the ablest Ministers of Internal Affairs this country had ever had. His enthusiastic direction and J administration of the centennial cele-l’' brations, the encouragement he had. given to tree planting, and beautification work generally, his activities in connection with . the preservation of native birds and plant-life, his work for the acclimatisation societies, and his keen interest in all branches of sport, including swimming and lifesaving. had marked him out as a most valuable member of the Government. He had also made an outstanding contribution to local body administration in this country. Mr Armstrong, said the Prime Minister, was an outstanding success as Minister of Labour, and was showing the greatest ability and capacity as Minister of Housing. He was administering a difficult portfolio with insight, knowledge, and experience, and was a most efficient Minister of Health. It was acknowledged generally that Mr Lee Martin had been most successful in the administration of the portfolio of Agriculture.