THE NEW LEADER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20570, 22 May 1930, Page 10

THE NEW LEADER.

Having been selected by his party as its leader in succession to Sir Joseph Ward, the Hon. G. W. Forbes becomes the new Prime Minister of New Zealand. He has served a long apprenticeship for the position as member, as leader of a party in opposition and as actingleader in office. On the personal side there is everything to be said in favour of the choice tho United Party made. Mr. Forbes is deservedly acceptable personally in all quarters. He is of the type that makes many friends, few, if any, enemies. His reputation before elevation to Cabinet rank, maintained since that time, has been for plain speaking and plain dealing, for straightforward bearing, and for freedom from tho 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 a party and in Parliament the signal for general congratulations to a man who is certain to bear his honours modestly. But if the entry of the new Prime Minister into ofiice is likely to be 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 the role of successor to Sir Joseph Ward would not be easy for anyone whom the party could have chosen, and no exception can be made 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 his Cabinet will make heavy demands on his tact, his discretion, and his discrimination. That hurdle surmounted, ho must then lead his forces in a House where the Opposition outnumbers them overwhelmingly. True, the hostile eleriients are hopelessly divided, especially by one main fissure. Though this makes for safety in the broad sense, it portends difficulties over single issues. It must always be hard to determine in advance, what support can be expected, what attack must be feared, on any given question. He had some experience of these conditions last session, but it is one thing to faco them as acting-leader, another to handle them as actual leader. 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 bo expected to face his new destiny with the cheerfulness and urbanity which have done much to win him the personal regard he deservedly enjoys.