NEW CANADIAN LEADER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19501, 3 December 1926, Page 16

NEW CANADIAN LEADER

THE CONSERVATIVES' CHOICE SELECTION AS A "STOP-GAP." MR. HUGH GUTHRIE'S RECORD. [from our own correspondent.] TORONTO, Oct. 23. The selection of tho Hon. Hugh Cut'i-ie as leader of the Canadian Conservative Party in the House of Commons came as a surprise. His name was reached by a pnocess of elimination. Sir Henry Drayton, a logical selection, is ill and is leaving foi Algiers. Other nominees aroused antagonisms. The party wanted a presentable temporary leader who would keep the seat warm while it goes into retirement to heal its feuds and sores and get a new stimulus. Mr. Guthrie seemed to fill the requirements. His selection was unanimous and public approval is general, though it is accorded on the condition that he is a stop-gap. pending a national convention in 1927, which is to select a permanent leader and formulate a revised platform. The Hon. Arthur Meighen, twice Prima Minister and thrice defeated, has gone into exile. Has ho retired to Elba or to St. Helena ? That is the question which dominates all dtscus3ion as to tho future of the party. Most guesses are that Mr .Meighen will bo back. In political stature Mr. Meighen is head and shoulders, above everyone \4"ho has so far been men tioned as a possible rival. Several ol these rivals have bean suspected of being involved in intrigues against him during his leadership, and Air. Aleighen's friends wih oppose their accession to the last ditch. Unless some now outstanding candidate unconnected with past feuds is brought forward, there will undoubtedly bo a loud demand for Air. Aleighen's recall at the national convention when it is held next year. Mr. Meighen has public spirit, ambition, 20 y oars' experience in Parliament and physical vigour —he is still only S(J years old. Has his failure been due to lack of some essential quality of leadership or to bad luck I The question is so open that it is almost inevitable ho will once again put it to tho test. To do so tie must allay or overwhelm old antagonisms in his party and eradicate the impression that "Aieighen can't win." The temporary leader, Air. Guthrie, was one of Mr. Aleighen's loyal supporters and is not likely to stand in tho way if Air. Meighen wants to come back. But should Air. Aieighen not again essay the conflict Al.r. Guthrie may himself be a contender for the permanent leadership. His chances will be determined by his record as leader during tho approaching session of Parliament.

Air. Guthrie is a recent convert to Conservatism, being one of tho few Liberals who entered the Union Government and did ,not return fto the fold after the war. He is 60 years old, has been a member of Parliament since ISOO, is a sound law yer and an able debater. His father, who for many years represented the same con stituency of South Wellington, Ontario, would probably turn in his grave to see Hur-h acting as leader of the Conservative Party. " But anyone is welcome to my discarded opinions," says the new leader.