LIBERAL LEADERSHIP.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 74, 23 March 1912, Page 5

LIBERAL LEADERSHIP.

HON. T. MACKENZIE CHOSEN BY BIG MAJORITY.

HON. J. A. MILLAR DROPS OUT

Wellington, March 22. The Liberal caucus elected the Hon. T. Mackenzie, member for Egmont, and Minister for Agriculture, as the leader of the party. , w . After the caucus, Sir Joseph Ward made a statement to the press. He “At the meeting of the Liberal Party on the first day ; of the caucus they passed this resolution, to which were attached the signatures of the whole ci the members of the party:—

“That members 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 became Prime Minister, and also his assistance to the party during the Premierships of Mr. Ballance and Mr. Scddon. They expressed deep regret that he considers it desirable to vacate office, and trust that he .will continue to assist the party with his wise counsel and mature experience.” Another resolution carried unanimously by the party to-day was : “That this party unanimously reaffirms the policy indicated in the .Governor’s Speecn of last session.” The party, after full consideration, took a vote upon the question ol leadership, and Mr. Mackenzie was elected by a majority of 22 to 9, Mr. Laurenson being the member who obtained the latter number.

Asked whether Mr. Millar, whos'e na mo had been so prominently associated with the leadership discussion, had come before the caucus in the same manner, Sir boseph replied that as a matter of fact Mr. Millar did not go to the vote. He withdrew from nomination. The whole of the proceedings was carried on with a kindly feeling between the members who held different opinions regarding the different candidates suggested foi leadership. “Upon the completion of the final ballot,” said Sir Joseph, “there was a unanimous expression of goodwill ■conveyed by me to Mr. Mackenzie, on behalf of the whole of the party present. I stated that the position, which had been a difficult one, was approached from a broad-minded standpoint, and that it was necessary for the members of the party, if they wanted to succeed, to sink any minor differences, and to stand loyally by the now leader. 1 pointed out that in's position in the matter of selection of ■Cabinet was necessarily a difficult one, and that self-sacrifice from the point of*view of individual members would require to be observed in order to ensure the solidarity of the party behind the new administration when it was formed. 1 took the opportunity finally of thanking the members of the Party there present, as well as the members of the old party, for their continued loyalty and support, given to me over a long period of years, and I also thanked absent members of the party who were defeated at the general' election fpr the past kindnesses and assistance they had from time to lime extended to mef :•> i I s The Prime Minister, in reply to an-’ olhei question, said: “I hope to be in a; position on Monday or Tuesday at the, latest to send in my resignation, and allow my successor to take office.” ■ Asked as to the position of the Labour members, Sir Joseph said that, Witn the exception ,of Mr. Hindmarsh who was'not present;-they took part m all discussions, and. voted on the question of leadership. THE NEWLY-ELECTED PREMIER INTERVIEWED. SUPPORTS OPTIONAL TENURE. Wellington, March 23. The Prime Minister-elect said to a reporter that he had hesitated before 1 stoning to the suggestion that he should take up the position of candidate for the leadership, as he was a junior, and there were others in the Cabinet who undoubtedly had prior rights. Those liq respected. Another thing was the enormous responsibility under existing conditions that mustfall on the shoulders of the man who took up the political load at the present moment. , He would not spare himself in endeavouring to build up the interests of this country on good lines. He hoped to unite the interests of those who work in cities with those engaged in securing the fruits of the earth. They were the supplement and complement of each other. In order to ensure the prosperity both of town and country a vigorous' policy of land settlement and agricultural instruction must be pursued. He would endeavour to give representation to every portion of the Dominion in the new Cabinet.' Each island uas entitled to its quota of ministers. Every effort would be made to represent as fully as possible the town and . 3 T interests and the geographical divisions of the country. As. to his cabinet, he declined to say whether any of his present colleagues were likely to be included in the now Cabinet and declared himself a supporter •of the optional tenure.

Mr Mackenzie said lie would require to give the producer such instruction as would enable him to get the very best results from the soil and to so widen his scope of production as to utilise our natural agencies in the most extensive manner. Ho was sure tne new Cabinbt woujd contain men who are deeply interested in the social and material improvement of the city dweller and the workers, and having special knowledge of their conditions. “I don’t profess personally,” he said, “to have that close acquaintance with that aspect of affairs.” He had specialised in the interests associated with the country people.