NEW PREMIER

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20784, 19 April 1939, Page 7

NEW PREMIER

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS MR R. MENZIES ELECTED FOUR NOMINATIONS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) CANBERRA, April 18 The former Federal AttorneyGeneral, Mr R. G. Menzies, at a full meeting of the party to-day, was elected leader of the United Australia Party, a post which carries with it the office of Prime Minister. The position was rendered vacant by the recent death of Mr J. A. Lyons. * There were four nominations for the post, the others being Mr W. M. Hughes, present Attorney-General, who was runner-up in the voting; Mr R. G. Casey, Federal Treasurer; and Mr T. W. White, a former Minister of Customs, whose nomination caused surprise. Mr Menzies will meet Sir Earle Page, acting-Prime Minister, to-night to discuss the future of the Government, which it is possible will be reconstructed. Attitude of Mr Bruce Sir Earle Page told the press that he had a radio telephone conversation with Mr S. M. Bruce, Australian High Commissioner, to-day. Mr Bruce de-

clared that he had no desire to re-enter party politics in Australia, but that he would, if required, return and lead a National Government, if under the arrangement he would have the right to select Ministers from any party, including Labour. Other circles state that Mr Bruce was not nominated as it was felt that any invitation to him would have had to be unanimous if he was to be induced to offer himself.

Until a month ago Mr Menzies was Attorney-General in the Federal Cabbinet and deputy-leader of the Parliamentary United Australia Party. He resigned to mark his disagreement with the Cabinet's compromise over the national insurance scheme. In a statement, he said that since September he had been at variance with the majority of the Cabinet on several matters of moment, particularly the question of defence preparedness, but he had refrained from resigning in the interests of unity.

A lawyer as well as a statesman, Mr Menzies was born In Victoria in 1895. Efforts were made several times to induce Mr Menzies to enter Federal politics and, in September, 1934, he was elected to the House of Representatives. On the creation of the Lyons Government shortly afterward he was appointed Federal AttorneyGeneral in succession to Mr J. G. Latham. He was described as the biggest man both mentally and physically in the Cabinet.

AGAINST A COALITION

COUNTRY PARTY ULTIMATUM

GENERAL ELECT'ON PROBABLE

(United Press Assn.—nec. Tel. Copyright)

(Received April 19, 12.30 p.m.) CANBERRA, April 19

The Federal Parliamentary Country Party has decided that it will not cooperate in a Coalition Government led by Mr Menzies, and has issued an ultimatum to that effect.

It is proposed that a Joint meeting of the two parties should be held to elect a Prime Minister, on the understanding that only a member of the United Australia Party should be eligible. It Is believed that there is only the most slender prospect of this proposal being adopted, and It Is widely expected that a general election will be necessary shortly.

LATE MR J. A. LYONS

REQUIEM MABB IN LONDON TRIBUTE AT WESTMINSTER (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, April 17

Fifteen hundred people paid sacred tribute to the late Mr J. A. Lyons at a solemn Requiem Mass at Westminster Cathedral, at which Canon Hinsley officiated.

Mr W. Jordan, High Commissioner for New Zealand, was present.