MR. LYONS'S SUCCESSOR

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 88, 15 April 1939, Page 9

MR. LYONS'S SUCCESSOR

FINDING U.A.P; LEADER

OPINIONS DIFFER

MR. HUGHES FAVOURED

SYDNEY, April 14,

The problem of choosing a neTT leader of the fainted Australia Party who will necessarily become Prim 6 Minister in succession, to Mr. Lyons is set down for discussion next Tuesday, but it is quite likely, that there will be a request for postponement until after the House of Representatives reassembles the same week.

Government members, are by. no means unanimous as to who should lac selected for the Prime Ministership when Sir Earle Page, the Acting Premier, steps out.

Mr. Hughes, Minister for External Affairs, is reported to have a strong following, in addition to which it is understood that the Country Party is prepared to work with him in preference to Mr. R. Gi Menzies, the former Attorney-General, whose uncompromising attitude on the National Insurance plan led to his defection from the Ministry some weeks ago.

i If the decision is made on Tuesday, Mr. Menzies, it is predicted, will be the party's choice. During the past few days there has also been much talk of inviting the High Commissioner in London, Mr. S. M. Bruce, to return to lead the party.

The Federal Cabinet has decided to make financial provision for Dame Enid Lyons and her family, to whom Parliament will be asked to grant an annuity of at least £1000. .