INTEREST IN MEETING.

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

INTEREST IN MEETING.

SPECULATION IN MORNING.

TRIBUTES TO OLD LEADER

LONG SERVICE APPRECIATED.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] "WELLINGTON, Wednesday. There was a buzz of interest and activity about Parliament- llouso to-day as the result of the caucus of the United Party held for the purpose of discussing tho selection of a leader to succeed Sir Josenh Ward.

Until this morning, only a few members of the party were in town and t hero had been no opportunity for members to get together and discuss the position. This morning, however, groups of members were engaged in animated discussion.

Tho main interest centred upon those who aspired to the leadership. The Minister of Education, tho Hon. H. Atmoro, entered tho Cabinet room armed with a largo bundle of papers, but tho Minister of Lands, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, and the Minister of Public Works, tho Hon. E. A. Ransom, were "unarmed." Mr. Ransom was unaccompanied as he made his way to tho Cabinet room, but Mr. Forbes was with several members who wero considered to favour his preferment. Mr. Fletcher Absent. Tho only Independent member of Parliament who was present was Mr. J. T. Hogan, who represents Rangitikei, but Mr. Hogan has mado it fairly evident, both by his utterances and his actions, that ho is a supporter of tho United Party. Tho one absentee from tho meeting, apart from Sir Joseph Ward, was Mr. J. S. Fletcher> tho member for Grey Lynn, who had previously slated that ho did not desiro any further invitations to tho party caucuses. Mr. Forties said to-day that the present mooting was not a caucus, but a conference, and as a member of tho United Party, Mr. Fletcher should liavo been invited. He, however, did not have anything to do with tho invitations, as the notices were despatched by tho Prime Minister.

At the luncheon interval, Mr. Forbes said that the proceedings during the morning had been of a most amicable nature and that no discordant note had been struck. " There was certainly no sign," he said, " of members of the party walking out, as I notice has been suggested by some people." Policy Matters Discussed. Replying to questions, Mr. Forbes said that the discussion had been devoted to a general talk about policy matters, and he anticipated that it would continue for a couple of hours in the afternoon before tho , important business of receiving nominations for tho leadership was reached.

Mr. Forbes presided at the meeting. A message was read from tho Prime Minister, in which Sir Joseph regretted that ho had been compelled to tender lus resignation as Prime Minister. lie thanked members for their loyal support and assistance since the Government assumed oflice. Although he was now relinquishing his post as Prime Minister, he would stiil continue to represent Invercargill in Parliament. Sir Joseph emphasised the absolute necessity of the new leader having the loyalty and warm-hearted co-operation of all members of the party. No Government could carry on effectively tho work of administration if dissension and a lack of unity prevailed. Sir Joseph Eulogised.

I Subsequently, 'the Chief Whip of the United Party, Mr. A. J. Murdoch, anI nounced that the following motion, proposed by Sir Apirana Ngata, and seconded by Sir Thomas Sidcy, had been carried unanimously:— "Members of the party desire to place on record their keen appreciation of tho distinguished services rendered to tho Dominion by Sir Joseph Ward throughout a long period of service in the public life of New Zealand. For over 40 years, Sir Joseph has served his country as a private member of the House, as a Minister of the Crown, and as Prime Minister. During tin's long term he has always been actuated by an intense zeal and earnest desire to promote the progress and well-being of tho Dominion ami its people. Not only in our domestic sphere of Government has he taken a prominent part but in the wider field of Empire he lias been an outstanding figure. We feel that he has deservedly earned the thanks of the country for his illustrious services. We extend to our leader our heartfelt sympathy in his indisposition and our sincere wishes that he rnav speedily regain good health and still have many happy years spared to him." Members of tho party expressed flip unanimous v/ish that Sir Joseph should retain his position as a member of the Executive Council without portfolio. On this decision being communicated to the Prime Minister at. Rotonia. Si'* Joseph readily acceded, stating that his advice and counsel would at. anv time be at the disposal of the new Government.