AN OLD RUMOUR AGAIN REVIVED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19075, 21 May 1930, Page 6

AN OLD RUMOUR AGAIN REVIVED.

SPECULATION RUNNING ON UNITED LEADERSHIP. (Special to the "Star.”) WELLINGTON, May 20. Among many interesting speculations regarding the leadership of the United Party, one current over a year ago has been revived. It is sugge,sted that Mr R. Masters, formerly member for Stratford. and chairman of the United Party during the general election campaign, would be asked to contest Invercargill, from which Sir Joseph Ward would resign, so that Mr Masters, if elected, could take the leadership of the party in Parliament. United supporters in the House to whom this was referred to-day gave some practical reasons to discredit such a scheme, pointing out that the leadership decision must be prompt, as the Government has to prepare for the coming session, while an election would take probably six weeks to complete. However, they agree that Mr Masters stands high in the party's counsels, and a hope is expressed that he will ultimately seek to return to Parliament. Sir Joseph Ward has himself provided the complete answer, for he forwarded to-day a message for radio broadcasting from Invercargill, plainly stating his intention to maintain close political connection with that town while his health permits. The Southland Radio Club opened its transmitting station to-night, and the retiring Prime Minister, in response to an invitation to send an appropriate message for the occasion, included in it the following paragraph:— As you are all aware, from a public statement I issued to the Press last week, I have decided, on the ad\ T ice of my doctors, to relinquish the office of Prime Minister, and I desire to take this opportunity* of saying how very greatly I have appreciated the kindness and consideration which the people of New Zealand have extended to me during the long period I have been in the public life of New Zealand. Although I am resigning from the position of Prime Minister, it is my intention stiff to retain the representation of Invercargill in Parliament. I want to assure my constituents that, health permitting, I hope I shall continue to retain their confidence. As you know, I received my political birth in Southland, and I shall never forget the many, many kindnesses I have received at the hands of its people.