The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. TUESDAY, MAY 20, 1930. THE UNITED PARTY

Southland Times, Issue 21087, 20 May 1930, Page 6

The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. TUESDAY, MAY 20, 1930. THE UNITED PARTY

Appearing on the eve of the United Party caucus at which the question of leadership is to be settled, the message from New Plymouth published in the Southland Times yesterday could not be regarded as anything but a kite sent into the air on behalf of Mr Masters, who, it will be remembered, spoke in Invercargill at the outset of the campaign in 1928 on behalf of Sir Joseph Ward. The New Plymouth prophet has stated that Mr Masters could have had the leadership in 1928, but preferred to stand aside for Sir Joseph Ward. If these facts were correct, Mr Masters showed considerable political foresight, but it is doubtful if it is quite fair to say that the leadership of the party was then available to him, while it is tolerably safe to say that under Mr Masters the party would not have scored the success it did in the election. On the other hand, it is well-known that neither Mr Forbes, nor Mr Veitch could command a large enough portion of the party support to obtain the leadership, though a vote was taken, and we understand that Mr Ransom’s strength, though believed to be inadequate, was not definitely determined by a vote of the members. Actually the United Party had come to an impasse when Sir Joseph was invited to take charge. Since then, of course, the atmosphere has changed a great deal, and of the aspirants known to be in the field, Mr Forbes has the clearest title to the succession, though it may be thought that he lacks the platform vigour, and the dramatic power to appeal to the electors. On the other hand, he has more experience, and possesses more stability than his rivals. Mr Veitch has been in the House a long ■while, but in the United Party Ministry he has not been regarded as one of- the seniors, and he does not enjoy the prestige Mr Forbes has won by his management of affairs as Sir Joseph’s deputy. Mr Ransom, as Prime Minister, would find some awkward questions to answer in regard to the railway projects in the North and South Islands, and these, coupled with the brevity of his Parliamentary experience, will weigh against his chances. Mr Atmore, though he has been in the House since 1912, cannot show anything in his political record to convince the public that he is stable enough for leadership, and he has yet to show that he can manage the affairs of a major department. Then there is Mr Masters, but though he has undeniable gifts as a platform man, he, too, has not had the experience of Mr Forbes as a member of Parliament nor as a Minister, added to which is the handicap that he is without a seat. From the New Plymouth propaganda it would seem that bound up with what claims to the leadership he is credited with is the idea that he should enter the House by way of Invercargill, following the retirement of Sir. Joseph Ward, but Mr Forbes is in a position to say that. Sir Joseph does not intend to resign his seat, which means that Mr Master’s chances are proportionately diminished. This announcement coming from Mr Forbes is extremely significant, especially when it is known that the statement on behalf of Mr Masters has been published in the North Island as well as in the South. These things suggest that the desire to have Mr Masters as leader is not sufficiently widespread in the United Party to make the smoothing of his way expedient, and they suggest that Mr Forbes carries the confidence of his old leader. Mr Forbes’s principal weaknesses are -to be found in his political stature. He has been always a solid party man, dependable and sound, but from the public viewpoint uninspiring, and incapable of a stirring appeal. Probably he is one of the most popular men in the House, for he is very likeable and generally trusted, but he has not the personality, nor the speech-making ability to stir audiences, and capture public imagination. All the successful political 'leaders in this country have been strong enough to impress themselves on the country as personalities of national importance, but it is doubtful if Mr Forbes can join that company. Still, his claims are too strong to be denied easily, and if the party does not give the succession to him it will be because some more dramatic pei>. sonality is considered necessary in the interests of the party.