MR MASSEY’S SUCCESSOR

Patea Mail, Volume XLVIII, 29 May 1925, Page 3

MR MASSEY’S SUCCESSOR

HON. J. G. COATES WELLINGTON, May 27. The Hon. J. G. Coates was elected Prime Minister by the Reform Party caucus, which sat to-day, to select a leader to succeed the late Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey.

Tho caucus sat from 2.30 p.m. till G p.m,, the Prime Minister (Sir Francit Bell) presiding. After the announcement of the selection of Mr Coates, the members of the party cheered their new head.

Sir Francis Bell was asked what waste be done next. Ho answered: “ 1 shall ask for an appointment with the Governor - General to-morrow.” Sir Francis Bell will then tender his resignation. His Excellency will seek advice from the retiring Premier as to whom he should send for. Sir Francis will then name Mr Coates.

It is generally believed that Mr Coates will select all the members of the present Cabinet for office, unless Sir Heaton Rhodes (Minister for Defence), who has expressed a wish to retire, docs so.

Mr G. Witty, who attended the caucus, left early. He said ho did not vote on the question of the leadership. He was offered a voting paper, but die not vote. His pledge stood to-day just as if Mr Massey was alive. Mr L. M. Isitt, who is also classed a-, an Independent, attended the caucus, but did not vote on the question of tin leadership.

The third Independent, Mr A. Bell, was also at the caucus, and he voted.