NEXT PRIME MINISTER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 115, 17 May 1930, Page 10

NEXT PRIME MINISTER

WHO WILL BE CHOSEN. HON. FORBES “FAVOURITE” THREE NAMES MENTIONED [Special to "Chronicle.”] AUCKLAND, May 16. In the wake of the announced intention of Sir Joseph Ward to resign the Prime Ministership, has emerged a wealth of speculation as to his successor as leader of the Government. A caucus of the party will be held iu Wellington on Wednesday and that meeting is expected to result in the selection of the new leader. Allowing for the two seats lost by the Government since the general election, the nominal parliamentary strength of the United Party is 26. One of that number, Mr J. S. Fletcher, member for Grey Lynn, has not received an invitation to the caucus. It will be recalled that he intimated after the la.'-t caucus that he did not desire further invitations and compliance with his wishes indicates that he can scarcely be regarded now as a Government supporter. On the other hand. Mr J. T. Hogan, member for Rangitikei, while styling himself an Independent, has been in the habit of attending the United Party caucuses, so it may be presumed that he will be present at Wednesday’s meeting to balance Mr Fletcher's defection. Mr W. J. Broadfoot, member for Waitomo, who lately emerged as a critic of the Government’s land purchase policy, has received an official invitation to the caucus and intends to be present. As Sir Joseph Ward will not be able to attend a counting of heads indicates that there will be 25 members at the caucus. Begarding the probable choice of a leader, rumour speaks with many tongues, but it would seem that the field of speculation may safely be restricted to three—the Hon. G. W. Forbes, the Hon. E. A Ransom, and the Hon. H. Atmore. In sporting language, Mr Forbes would appear to be a strong favourite. The New Ministry The selection of a leader is the major problem, but that settled, speculation as to the personnel of the new Ministry will be almost equally as keen. Even if the present Ministers are confirmed in office, there will need to be one or two further appointments to fill the places of Sir Joseph Ward and Mr J. M. Wilford. Incidentally, it is believed to oe the plan that Sir Joseph Ward should retain his seat on the Executive Council but that he should not be burdened with any portfolios.

The selection of a Minister of Finance will be the new Prime Minister’s most difficult task. One suggestion propounded in Auckland to-day was that Mr C. A. Wilkinson, Independent member for Egmont, might be willing to accept the portfolio in the reconstructed Ministry. In the quest for ministerial honours. Mr A. J. Murdoch, senior whip, and Mr S. G. Smith, chairman of committees, who had to yield a place to newcomers when the Cabinet was selected at the end of 1928. may be expected to revive their claims, while two others with definite aspirations ar'* Messrs T. W McDonald and W. A. Bodkin. The impression is well grounded that Sir Joseph will defer the tendering of his resignation until he is in a position to advise the Governor-General on the question of a successor. In other words. Sir Joseph will probably await the outcome of Wednesday’s caucus.