UNITEDS' LEADER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20570, 22 May 1930, Page 12

UNITEDS' LEADER.

[DECISION OF CAUCUS.

HON. G. W. FORBES CHOSEN

ELIMINATION BALLOTS.

MR. RANSOM SECOND.

.CLOSE MARGIN RETORTED.

[>,Y TELEOTf A fit. —PRESS ASSOCIATION."] WELLINGTON. Wednesday.

The Hon. G. W. Forbes was this evening elected Leader of the United Party and virtually Prime Minister of New Zealand, in succession to Sir Joseph Ward, who will take an early opportunity, probably to-morrow, of recommending His Excellency tho Governor-General, to invito Mr, Forbes to form a Ministry. This Mr. Forbes will undertake to do. There were four nominations for tho position, tho candidates being the Hons. G. W. F orbes, E. A. Ransom, W. A. Veitch and H. Atmoro. Each candidate was given an opportunity of addressing the caucus and outlining tho main planks of tho policy to which he would adhere. The decision was made by means of elimination ballots. In tho first test Messrs. Veitch and Atmoro tied for last place, and it was agreed that both should bo eliminated. The issue was then fought out by Messrs. Forbes and Ransom, and after tho ballot had been taken it was announced that Mr. Forbes had been elected. The actual details of tho voting, it is understood, were not announced, although ii is believed that the margin of victory ,was narrow. It is stated that Mr. Ransom was the first to congratulate Mr. Forbes on his victory. Sir Thomas Sidev, tho AttorneyGeneral, and Mr. G- C. Munns, the member for Roskill, acted as scrutineers for tho ballots.

PROBLEMS TO BE MET.

MR. FORBES' STATEMENT.

THE PARLIAMENTARY SESSION.

[by telegraph.—own correspondent.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday.

" I greatly appreciate the high honour that lias been conferred upon me," said Mr. Forbes in an interview. "I .would, of course, have been better pleased had I attained this oflico at a timo when there was greater general prosperity in tho country, but wo must recognise that a serious drop has taken placo in the prices of our primary products, which will bo felt throughout the country. But it only means that the situation will have to bo faced, and I have every confidence that New Zealand will face tile position. "While the,experience may be trying, at the same time I feel quito certain that in a country like this, with so much scope for development, our present difficulties will only bo comparatively short. Our country has many avenues for development arid now tho necessity 'has arisen these will be exploited. 1 regret sincerely that it has been necessary for mv old chief to stand down. I came into Parliament when he was Prime Minister and I have associated with him more or less closely ever since. "It must have been a very great wrench for him to part with a position for which he was so well fitted. He has decided to remain connected with the Executive Council as a member without portfolio, giving us tho advantage of his sound experience and mature judgment in the problems that will, no doubt, have to bo solved in tho near future.

"It is specially cheering for me to feel that the party is unanimous in its decision in regard, to myself ns leader, and to know that it is behind mo heart and soul in regard to the work wo have in front of ns. There is no question \vhatever of division of opinion in our tanks. We are absolutely solid and that will no doubt bo of very great assistance when we come to meet Parliament." Mr. Forbes said it would not be necessary to delay tho opening of Parliament on account of the alteration of leadership. " A good deal of the immediate legislation is prepared and will be ready for submission when Parliament opens," lio said. " Somo important hills are yet to be finalised, and upon these Cabinet will concentrate, sitting fairly continuously from now onwards until the opening of the session. As a result the Ministers may not be ablo to devote the same attention to visiting outlying districts and accept invitations to functions. We hope to have our programme well in liarid and finalised before Parliament meets, which will be about tho usual tirne, June 26.

TRIBUTE' BY MR. COATES.

FRIENDSHIP IN PARLIAMENT.

" I extend to Mr. Forbes my heartiest congratulations ori his selection as leader of his party and the high honour that is about to be conferred on him, and I share with him regret at the circumstances that bave made it necessary for Sir Joseph Ward to retire," said tho Leader of tho Opposition, tho Right Hon. J. G. Coates, last evening. Mr. tor lies will also havo tho congratulations of all tho members of Parliament. While many of us disagree with liim concerning the solution of New Zealand svproblems, that does not prevent us from recognising the many good personal qualities which Mr. Forbes possesses. It is one of the great features of our political •Ida that we can disagree and vet bo fi lends. It ig (hp, presence iri Parliament such men as. Mr. Korhos and tlio oxfiinple they set to the newer members that preserves this very desirable attribute of our public life."