They Come, They Go!

Another Australian Minister For Territories

CLIMAX to many months of political move and countermove in Australia came on October 3, when the joint UAP-UCP Government was defeated by a narrow margin. The Labour Party took office on October 6 and the portfolio of Minister for Islands Territories was given to Senator James Macintosh Fraser.

A Scotsman (like his predecessor Mr.

A McK. McDonald), Senator Fraser hails from Western Australia. He was for years an officer in the WA Tramway Employees Union, then a Perth City Councillor; and, finally, he became vice-president of the Australian Labour Party in Westralia.

In 1931, he entered the political sphere by unsuccessfully contesting the Swan seat for the House of Representatives.

In 1937. he was elected to the Common wealth Senate. Aged 50, the new Minister Is married, has three sons (two in the AIF) and a daughter.

Senator Fraser has had no previous personal acquaintance with the Terri tories over which he now exercises con trol—namely, New Guinea, Papua, Nauru and Norfolk Island.

The Territories portfolio changed hands many times during the life of the Government just defeated. In four years, Islands residents have witnessed a pro cession of eight separate Ministers!

Sir George Pearce held the portfolio from 1934 to 1937, when he was succeeded by Mr. W. M. Hughes. In turn, just one year later, he was replaced by Mr. J. A.

Perkins, who occupied office only for a day or two, then handed over to Colonel E. J, Harrison. In April, 1940, Mr. H. K.

Nock took charge of the Territories Department, but after a few months was replaced by Mr. T. J. Collins. In July this year. Mr. A. McK. McDonald was given the portfolio and held office until the Government fell.

Senator James Fraser.