THE UNITED PARTY.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18025, 21 May 1930, Page 7

THE UNITED PARTY.

TO-DAY’S CAUCUS. ELECTION OF A LEADER. THREE NAMES MENTIONED. FORBES, RANSOM AND ATMORE. " (Times Correspondent.) . WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The stage is set for the momentous meeting of Parliamentary members of the United Party to-morrow to discuss the question of a successor to Sir Joseph Ward. The event is creating an atmosphere of interest in the political sphere almost as great as when the party came into office. Hon. G. W. Forbes and Hon. E. A. Ransom are said to be the only real contestants for the Leadership. It is stated that land settlement will prove to be one of the most lively subjects of debate at the caucus, as there is .known to be at least one member of the party w'ho holds very strongly the view' that this phase of the Government’s policy has not been accelerated sufficiently. If this member precipitates a discussion the outcome may have a very direct bearing on the manner in which the members record their votes. If Mr Forbes is able to make an effective answ'er to criticism it is considered his chances of selection will be immensely improved. On the other hand, if members are not satisfied w’ith his account of his stewardship as Minister of Lands, it is quite on the cards that the caucus will favour Mr Ransom, who is known to have progressive ideas in regard to land settlement. It is understood that lion. H. Atmore is likely to be nominated and seconded from amongst the younger members of the Party. The bulk of opinion seems to be that Mr Atmore, as one who is essentially an Independent in heart and mind, will not receive very serious consideration as a candidate, and that his nomination will be the first to be disposed of. Significance has been attached in New Plymouth to a visit paid to Rotorua last w'eek-cnd by Mr R. Masters, the former member for Stratford and Chairman of the United Party during the last election campaign. Mr Masters is generally regarded as one of the strong men of the party, and more than once expressions of regret have been voiced that he w'as not a candidate at the election at which the United Party was ushered into office. A New Plymouth speculation is that although Mr Masters has declared that he has no intention of again standing for Parliamentary honours lie might bow' to the expressed will of the caucus and the way might then be opened for him to enter the active field of politics in the House by Sir J. G. Ward resigning his seat as well as the Leadership in order that Mr Masters may contest it. This is described as a kite by the United Members already in Wellington. They think there is not much possibility of members being appointed to the Upper House. The fusion issue is not expected to be raised in caucus. POSITION OF MR MASTERS. WILL NOT RE-ENTER POLITICS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) STRATFORD, Tuesday. The statement that Mr Robert Masters, formerly member of Parliament for Stratford, w T as a new figure in the field of speculation regarding the successor to Sir Joseph Ward as Prime Minister, was referred to Mr Masters to-day. " The purpose of my visit to Rotorua,” said Mr Masters, •“ was to confer with £ir Joseph Ward on business of a purely private nature, and it had nothing to do with the selection of a leader to succeed Sir Joseph.” As far as he w'as concerned his present intention was that he would not re-enter politics. That being so, he found it difficult to understand why his name had been mentioned as an aspirant for the position of leader. Certainly no suggestion of the kind had ever come from him. THE INVERCARGILL SEAT. TO BE RETAINED BY PREMIER. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, Tuesday. In a message to the Southland Radio Club, read at the official opening of the studio this evening, the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, had the following interesting statement to make: — “ Although I am retiring from the position of Prime Minister, it is my intention still to remain the representative of Invercargill in Parliament.” LATER. CAUCUS OF UNITED PARTY. CHOOSING A LEADER. BALLOT THIS AFTERNOON. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. A United Party caucus to select a new. leader commenced at 10.30 this morning. All members of the party were present, except Mr Fletcher, w'ho was not invited to be present. It is understood that each member aspiring to the leadership will address the caucus on policy questions, after which a vote will be taken. It is not anticipated that the ballot will be reached until well on in the afternoon. SIR JOSEPH’S MESSAGE. THE PARTY’S REPLY. MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. A message was received by the United Caucus from Sir J. G. Ward by telephone from Rotorua to-day, informing the members of the party that he had been compelled to resign owing to the advice of his doctors. He expresses hs> heartfelt apprecia(Continued in next column.)

tion of the loyal support and assistance given him by the party since the Government assumed office and says that, although relinquishing office, he will still continue to be a member representing Invercargill. After claiming that the Government can look back with satisfaction on a programme of definite achievement, Sir Joseph -says that the new leader must have the loyalty and warm-hearted cooperation of all members of the party. Especially is loyal cohesion in the party essential at a time when Its number in Parliament' is not relatively strong. He says: “ I am sure that your selection will he guided by a realisation of the importance of the occasion.” In conclusion, Sir Joseph trusts the principles of Liberalism will still remain the guiding factors of the new Government’s platform. Caucus Resolution. *r Subsequently the 'Chief Whip, Mr. A. Murdoch (Marsden) announced that caucus had passed unanimously the following resolution proposed by Sir A. Ngata and seconded by Hon. T. K. Sidey: “The members of the United Party desire to place on record its keen appreciation of the distinguished services rendered to the Dominion throughout a long period of service in the public life of the Dominion. For over 40 years Sir Joseph Ward has served -his country as a private member of the House, Minister of the Crown and Prime Minister. During this long term he has always, been actuated by an intense zeal and earnest desire to promote the progress and well-being of the Dominion and its people. Not only In our domestic sphere of government has he taken a prominent part, but in the wider field of Empire he has been an outstanding figure. We feel that he -has deservedly earned the thanks of the country for his illustrious services. We extend to our leader our heartfelt sympathy in his Indisposition and our "sincere wishes that he may. speedily regain good health and still have many happy years spared to him.” minister Without Portfolio. The caucus decided to request Sir Joseph Ward to consent to act as a member of the executive without portfolio and on this being transmitted to Sir Joseph Ward at Rotorua he agreed to do so.