SEEKING A LEADER

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 45, 21 August 1913, Page 8

SEEKING A LEADER

LIBERAL CAUCUS TO MEET TO-NIGHT At the present moment the Opposition Party is directed by an Advisory Conncil of four — a leader is still to be procured. This may be accomplished at what is said to be this session the first genuine Liberal caucus, which is to meet this evening at 5 or 5.30 o'clock. The Opposition Whips are steadfastly reticent as to who have been invited to attend the' caucus— there is no certainty that such members who occupy seats opposite the Treasury Benches, as Messrs. Wilford, Millar, and Myers, will attend. According to information received, this much seems certain: that the party, will unanimously offer the leadership of the Opposition to Sir Joseph Ward. That gentleman has been visiting his constituents in Southland, and. with Mr. J. A. Hanan (Invercargill), who went South on Friday last, is expected to return to Wellington to-morrow. Then, no doubt, the representations of the caucus will be emphasised with regard to its wishes. The foregoing is sufficient to contradict the rumour that Mr. G. W. Russell had been appointed definitely to lead the Opposition to the Promised Land. As a matter of plain fact, none can forecast, with any show of certainty, what will eventuate if the member for Awarua refuses to accept the responsibility. Sir Joseph Ward has studiously avoided showing his hand to the public so far as his intentions concerning the leadership of the Liberals, and it is understood that he has been equally noncommunicativo with the party which i» anxious that he should direct it. tt has been suggested on more than one occasion 'that Sir Joseph would only consider the proposition from a party absolutely unanimous, and if, as is confidently anticipated, tbe result of to-night's caucus Will be a "unanimous" request for him to assume the leadership, there is a possibility (at least) of the Liberals obtaining i the long-looked for director. Of course, opinions may differ as to whether the term "unanimous" can bo interpreted literally. It is expected that the Opposition Party will be represented in full force this evening. Meanwhile, Sir Joseph Ward has yet to indicate his attitude.