EDITORIAL OPINION

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 119, 22 May 1930, Page 10

EDITORIAL OPINION

PERSONALLY POPULAR

BUT FACING HARD TASK

(By Telegraph.)

(Special to "The Evening Post.")

AUCKLAND, This Day,

In the course of an editorial on the new leader, to-day's "New Zealand Herald" (Reform) says::—

"On the personal side there is everything to be said in favour, of the chojee the United Party made. Mr. Forbes is deservedly acceptable personally in all quarters. He is of the type that makes many friends and few if any onemies. His reputation before elevation to Cabinet rank, and maintained since that time, has been for plain speaking and plain dealing, for straightforward bearing, and for freedom from bitterness and rancour which so often creeps into the cut-and-thrust of party politics. These are qualities which make elevation to the highest office in the party—and in Parliament —the sig-

nal for general congratulations to a man who is certain to bear his honours modestly. "But if the entry of the new Prime Minister into office is likely to bo welcomed because so many wish him well personally, the task he will face when once confirmed in it cannot in any circumstances be so pleasant. To play tho role of successor to Sir Joseph Ward would not bu easy for anyone whom the party could have chosen, and no exception can be mado of Mr. Forbes. Then, too, he has a situation of extreme delicacy to face, both before the session and when he meets Parliament. The reconstruction of the Cabinet will make heavy 5 demands on his tact, discretion, and discrimination. That hurdle surmounted, he must then lead his forces in the House, where the Opposition outnumbers them overwhelmingly. All counted, Mr. Forbes has not succeeded to any sinecure. Presumably ho has counted all that is involved before accepting the office for which he has been chosen. Mr. Forbes can be expected to face his new destiny with the cheerfulness, and urbanity which have done much to win him the personal regard he deservedly enjoys."