UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 19 April 1939, Page 2

UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY

MR MENZIES THE NEW LEADER GOVERNMENT LIKELY TO BE RECONSTRUCTED I U.P A.—By Electric lelearaoh-CoDvriahtl CANBERRA, 17th April. Mr Menzies, Attorney-General, was elected leader of the United Australia Party at a full meeting to-day. Mr Hughes, Minister for External Affairs, was runner-up. Mr Menzies will meet Sir Earle Page, the Acting-Prime Minister, to-night to discuss the future of the Government, which will possibly be reconstructed. Four candidates offered themselves

for election at the meeting. In addition to Mr Hughes, Mr Menzies and Mr Casey, a surprise nomination was that of the former Minister of Customs, Mr White. The High Commissioner in London, Mr Bruce, who is now in Los Angeles, was not nominated, as it was felt that an invitation for him to stand would have to be practically unanimous to induce him to assent. Sir Earle Page said he had a radiotelephone conversation with Mr Bruce to-day and that Mr Bruce declared he had no desire to re-enter party politics in Australia, but would, if required, return to lead a national Government under which he would have the right to select Ministers from any party, including Labour. A NARROW VICTORY CANBERRA, 18th April. It is reported that Mr Menzies had only a narrow victory over Mr Hughes by three or four votes in the ballot for the leadership of the United Australia Party. The actual figures were not disclosed. Mr Bruce’s offer to lead a National Government if required has been deferred for the present.

Mr Menzies had a bad fall on the steps of Parliament Buildings while proceeding to a party meeting to-day. He chipped his elbow which required hospital treatment, and appeared at the party meeting in the afternoon with his arm in a sling.