The Timaru Herald. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1939 LEADERSHIP NEEDED IN AUSTRALIA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21325, 20 April 1939, Page 6

The Timaru Herald. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1939 LEADERSHIP NEEDED IN AUSTRALIA.

First impressions of the political developments within the parties embraced in the Federal Government of Australia, would seem to suggest that the United Australia Party has been somewhat precipitate in the choice of a new leader, following the lamented death of Mr J. A. Lyons. It is obvious that members of the dominant party within the Coalition are shamefully overanxious tb retain the Prime Ministership within their ranks, but unless the other partner in the Coalition accepts the new leader, a break is certain. Hence sharp and dangerous reactions are inevitable, particularly in view of the decision of the United Australia Party to accept the leadership of the former Attorney-General and the objections already raised in the Country Party. It will be remembered that Mr Menzies tendered his resignation because of his disapproval of the policy being pursued by the Federal Cabinet. This opposition was strongest in relation to the much-discussed national insurance scheme. It is, moreover, imperative to bear in mind, however, that election to leadership of the United Australia Party does not necessarily ensure the member selected being elevated to the Prime Ministership. The Federal Parliamentary Country Party has a voice in that choice. It will be remembered, however, that a few days before his death, Mr Lyons, in his capacity as Prime Minister of Australia, expressed his willingness to consider the formation of a Ministry, including representatives of all Parties: “Adequate defence measures,” declared Mr Lyons, “demand the closest co-operation.” The invitation, however, fell on deaf ears; indeed the Leader of the Federal Labour Party (which is of course the official Opposition in the Federal Parliament) accused Mr Lyons of kite-flying to save his Prime Ministership rather than serve his country. With the passing of Mr Lyons there has been no noticeable breaks in the clouds that hang s<s menacingly on the international horizon. Hence it cannot be denied that the “closest co-operation” is still imperative in Australia, if adequate defence measures are to be implemented, and the Commonwealth’s economic equilibrium maintained in face of many upsetting reactions. It would therefore seem obvious that bold, efficient, and inspired leadership is needed in Australia. The offer of Mr Bruce to return to lead a National Government under which he would have the right to select his Ministers from any Party including the Labour Party, must be a little disconcerting to office seekers. Hence it remains to be seen whether the United Australia Party in its effort to place the former Attorney-General in the exalted position until recently held by Mr Lyons, will risk a political crisis of the first magnitude by ignoring Mr Bruce’s offer rather than relegate Party interests to oblivion, in facing up to what is really, as far as Australia is concerned, a national emergency of the first magnitude.