“THE ONLY MAN”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21323, 18 April 1939, Page 7

“THE ONLY MAN”

MR BRUCE AND AUSTRALIAN LEADERSHIP United Press Association—B* Electric Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, April 17. Prominent members of the United Australia Party are anxious that Mr S. M. Bruce should become the next Prime Minister of Australia. Invitations have been sent to Mr Bruce, who will reach Los Angeles today, and who replied that he was willing to return to Australia if the nation desires him to do so. It is considered that Mr Bruce is the only man who can successfully hold the United Australia and United Country parties together. CHOOSING SUCCESSOR TO MR LYONS CHANCES OF MINISTERS DISCUSSED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, April 14.

The problem of choosing the new leader of the United Australia Party, who will necessarily become Prime Minister in succession to Mr Lyons, is set down for discussion next Tuesday, but it is quite likely there will be a request for postponement until after the House of Representatives reassembles in the same week. Government members are by no means unanimou- as to who should be selected for the Prime Ministership, when Sir Earle Page steps out. Mr Hughes is reported to have a strong following, in addition to which it is understood the Country Party is prepared to work with him in preference to Mr R. J. Menzies, whose uncompromising attitude on the national insurance plan led to his defection from the Ministry some weeks ago. If a decision is made on Tuesday, Mr Menzies, it is predicted, will be the Party’s choice.

During the past few days there has been much talk of inviting the High Commissioner (Mr Stanley Bruce) to return and lead the Party.