During the Second Labour Government (1957-60) Labour held a working majority of one causing the party whips to impose strict discipline for attendance in the house to avoid the government losing a division. Media speculated that Paikea may be a weak link in this regard as his health was known to be poor and his attendance record in the previous parliament was not good. A well-worn joke in caucus was that senior whip Henry May was responsible for 38 members plus himself while junior whip Ritchie Macdonald was tasked with checking only on Paikea. During the three years of the government Paikea never put a foot wrong and not only had impeccable attendance but chaired the Maori Affairs select committee with skill. National MP Norman Shelton remarked on the change in attendance habits to which Paikea responded "In opposition, I was the only one worrying about my health. Now there are 40 others praying for me every night."