FORBES OR RANSOM?

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 977, 21 May 1930, Page 1

FORBES OR RANSOM?

“Who is to Succeed Ward?” A CANDIDATES ADDRESS CAUCUS Works Minister’s Chances Good THE SUN'S Parliamentary Reporter WELLINGTON, Today. rE question on the lips of everyone round the echoing corridors of Parliament Buildings today was: “Who is to succeed Sir Joseph Ward?” Even members of the United Party spoken to in the lobbies did not know and were reticent as to the chances of the two main candidates, the Hon. G. W. Forbes and the Hon. E. A. Ransom. At the caucus, it is understood, the senior members of the Cabinet will aspire to the honour, but Mr. Atmore and Mr. Veitch may be counted out and the result will rest between the two first mentioned.

The caucus opened punctually at 10.30 and there was a full attendance of members with the exception of Mr. J. S. Fletcher and Sir Joseph Ward. Mr. Atmore was seen going along the passage with a bundle of papers and notes, and obviously he had prepared well for the speech that the candidates are to deliver to the caucus. Mr. Forbes was his usual imperturbable self and Mr. Ransom walked with quiet confidence to the Prime Minister’s room, where the meeting was held.

From what could be gathered it seems that the chances of Mr. Ransom have risen in the last 24 hours and that he has gained in Cabinet support. He may be a dark horse and win, particularly as it is understood that he has prepared a vigorous policy on new lines, notably in the direction of land settlement and the solution of the unemployment problem. It is understood that he has a proposal to put the unemployed on to breaking in areas of land and paying them standard wages while doing so. A part of the wages, it is stated, will be held back and the men will have the right of selection after breaking in the land with the wages held back forming the deposit. Altogether, he Is said to have a policy and a speech that should be acceptable to the party and may swing the balance of the voting in his favour.

One thing is certain and that is that the minds of several Government members will be made up by the speeches of the respective candidates. It seems that the Cabinet backing will be slightly in favour of Mr. Forbes, and perhaps the voting of the rank and file.

‘‘The question is on the lap of the gods,” said one prominent Government member, “but be prepared for surprises. If there is one surprise others will follow.” It is not expected that the result of the voting, will be available before 3.30 at the earliest this afternoon. A message received by the caucus from Sir Joseph Ward by telephone from Rotorua, informing the members of the party that he had been compelled to resign owing to the advice of his doctors. He expresses heartfelt appreciation of the loyal support and assistance given him by the party since the Government assumed office, and says that, although he Is relinquishing office, he will still continue to be the member representing Invercargill. After claiming that the Government can look back with satisfaction on the programme of definite achievement, Sir Joseph says that the new leader must have the loyalty and warm-hearted co-operation 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 be 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. Subsequently the chief Whip, Mr. A. J. Murdoch, announced that the caucus had passed unanimously the following resolution, proposed by Sir Apirana Ngata and seconded by Sir Thomas Sidey:—“The members of the party desire to place on record their keen appreciation of the distinguished services rendered to the Dominion by Sir Joseph Ward. Throughout his long period of service in public life in the Dominion for more than 40 years, Sir Joseph has served his country as a private member of the House, as a Minister of the Crown and as Prime Minister. During this long term he has always been actuated by an intense zeal and an 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 the Empire he has been an outstanding figure. We feel 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.” The caucus decided to request Sir Joseph Ward to consent to act as a memßer of the executive without portfolio. and on this being transmitted to Sir Joseph at Rotorua he agreed to do so.