WARM WELCOME

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20786, 22 April 1939, Page 7

WARM WELCOME

AUSTRALIAN PREMIER SELECTING NEW CABINET LEADER MAY RESIGN (United Press Assn.—Elec. TeL Copyright) MELBOURNE, April 21 The Prime Minister, Mr R. G. Menzies, returned to Melbourne today and had a rousing reception from friends at the station, including a piper to do tiie proper Scottish honours. Mr Menzies will devote the week-end to selecting the new Ministry. The speech of Sir F.arle Page, leader of the Country Party, in the House on 'Thursday has produced a profound reaction in tlie Country Party, which is seeking means of resolving amicably the uncomfortable situation. At a meeting of the New South Wales council of the Country Partyon Monday, Sir Earle Page may submit his resignation as leader of the party, and in that event the popular choice will be Mr A. G. Cameron, who was Postmaster-General in the Lyons Ministry. If Mr Cameron obtains the leadership, it is thought, the prospects fof forming another coalition will be improved. Mr Menzies said to-day that the next move regarding a coalition was obviously not for him to make. Effect of a Coalition Mr Menzies’ Cabinet will have 15 members, anil Their names will be announced on Monday. It is known that some members of the Cabinet which Mr Menzies will appoint will be warned when 'they are appointed that they will lose their positions if a coalition is formed. It has been stated that Mr W. M. Hughes. Attorney-General and Minister of External Affairs in the LyC7-* Ministry, will not accept office under Mr Menzies, but there is no conffnra lion of this report.