NEW LEADER TAKES HIS SEAT

The Br. Hon. Sir Joseph AVurd took his scat as Leader of the United Parly in the House of Representatives this afternoon, Mr. G. W. Forbes, who has led the Nationalist Party up to the present, relinquishing his former place in favour of Sir Joseph. From now until the end.of the session the Nationalist Party ceases to exist under that name. Tho selection of Sir Joseph Ward as leader of the United Party has conic as a surprise in political circles, where it was generally thought that cither Mr. Veitch or Mr. Forbes would be in the running. It is admitted that the emergence of Sir Joseph Ward as a political leader again has infused fresh interest in the General Election campaign, and that the possibilities must now be guaged somewhat differently than if he had contented himself merely with the position of being a private member. Before nominations were called at tho United "Party's conference for the leadership it was decided that a deputyleader should be appointed for the North Island and a deputy-leader for the South Island. A ballot took place, Mr. E. A. Ransom, whip of the Nationalist Party, being elected as deputyleader, for the North Island, and. Mr. G. W. Forbes as deputy-leader' for the South Island. Mr. Veitch was appointed president of the executive. There was also a series of _ballots for the leadership of the party. Mr. Veitch. was defeated at tho first ballot, and Mr. Forbes at the second, and it was then a case of deciding between Mr. Ransom and Sir Joseph Ward. At least half of those present wore desirous of having Sir Joseph Ward, and Mr. Ransom retired in his favour, calling on the •delegates to support Sir Joseph. » Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, who is standing for the Egmont seat against the Hon. 0.. J. Hawken, at tho General Election, and Mr. W. J. Poison, President of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and a candidate for the Stratford seat, were present at the conference, but did not take any part in the ballots on the leadership issue. Mr. Poison, it is understood, interested himself in the question of framing a platform for the party.