NEW LEADER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 15 April 1939, Page 7

NEW LEADER

OF UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY GOVERNMENT MEMBERS NOT UNANIMOUS STRONG FOLLOWING FOR MR HUGHES fC.P A.— By Electric Telegraph—CoD.vrl*rbt'. SYDNEY. 14th April. The problem of choosing a new leader of the United Australia Party who will necessarily become Prime 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 Represent tive3 reassembles the same week. Government members are by no means unanimous as to who should be

selected for the Prime Ministership, when Sir Earle Page steps out.

Mr W. 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 Menzies, whose uncompromising attitude on the National Insurance plan led to his defection from the Ministry some weeks ago.

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.