THE NEW LIBERAL AND LABOUR LEADER.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 27 March 1912, Page 3

THE NEW LIBERAL AND LABOUR LEADER.

HON. T. MACKENZIE.

MR MILLAR WITHDRAWS.

The Government party caucus concluded on Friday, the selection, of leader of the party falling on the lion. T. Mackenzie, who was called to form a Ministry \ estorday, when Sir Joseph Ward tendered his resignation to His Excellency the Governor; A statement regarding the caucus was made to thft press' by Sir Joseph Ward. 5■ At the meeting of the Liberal jparty. on the first day of the caucus," he said, "they passed this resolution, to.which were attached the signatures of the whole of the members of the party:— • " ' That the meinters of the Liberal party here present thankfully recognise the able,, brilliant, and successful manner in which Sir Joseph Ward has led the party since he teoaine Prime Minister; and also his assistance to the party during the Preinierships of Mr Ballance and Mr Seddon. They express regret that he considers it desirable to vacate the office, and trust tnat he will continue to assist the party with his wise counsel and mature experience." ■" Another resolution carried unanimously by the party is • —' That this party unanimously reaffirms the policy indicated in the Governor's Speech oi last session.' '' The party, after full consideration took a vote upon the question of leadership, and Mr T, Mackenzie was elected by a majority of 22 votes to nine, Mr Lauren son being the member who obtained the latter number." Asked whether Mr Millar, whose name has been so prominently associated with the leadership discussion, had como before tho caucus in the same manner, Sir Joseph replied that, as a matter of fact, Mr Millar did uot go to a vote. He withdrew from nomination. The whole proceedings, he udded, were carried on with friendly feeling between members who held different opinions regarding the different candidates suggested for the leadership, ... --; «»w**