MR MENZIES ELECTED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 April 1939, Page 5

MR MENZIES ELECTED

UNITED AUSTRALIAN PARTY

LEADERSHIP MR HUGHES RUNNER-UP. CABINET RECONSTRUCTION POSSIBLE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. CANBERRA, April 17. Mr R. G. Menzies, former AttorneyGeneral, who resigned recently from the Federal Cabinet on account of his objection to the postponement of the national insurance scheme, was elected leader of the United Australia Party at a full meeting today. Mr Hughes, Minister for External Affairs, was run-ner-up. Mr Menzies will meet Sir Earle Page, the Acting-Prime Minister, tonight to discuss the future of the Government, which will possibly be reconstructed. Four candidates offered themselves for election at the meeting. In addition to Mr Hughes, Mr Menzies, and Mr Casey, a surprise nomination was that of the former Minister of Customs, Mr White.

The High Commissioner in London, Mr Bruce, who is now in Los Angeles, was not nominated, as it was felt that an invitation for him to stand would have to be practically unanimous to induce him to assent.

Sir Earle Page said he had a radiotelephone conversation with Mr Bruce today and that Mr Bruce declared he had no desire to re-enter party politis in Australia, but would, if required, return to lead a national Government under which, he would have the right to select Ministers from any party, including Labour.

In existing circumstances the leadership of the United Australia Party carries with it the Prime Ministership. Commenting a few days ago on the prosjjects of Mr Menzies, the “Sydney Morning Herald” stated, in a news article that doubts had been raised in the minds of hs supporters by the recollection of the stand taken by Mr Menzies on national insurance, “It is pointed out,” the article added, “that he declared himself uncompromisingly in favour of the scheme, and if he adhered to these views and refused to introduce 51 repealing measure, the scheme would automatically operate from September 4. “The majority of U.A.P. members prefer to shelve' the scheme, and are not anxious to risk a clash with the Country Party—a development which they believe would almost certainly occur if the present scheme was retained.

“This has raised such doubts in their minds, it is stated, that they would welcome any development that would provide them with a way out of their difficulties, and at the same time provide them with a candidate for the leadership with the qualities that the situation demands. . . Members behind Mr Menzies, however, declare that the position can be adjusted. They point out, first, that since arrangements for medical service are incomplete, and since the investigation into payment for medical services has been abandoned, it is now impossible for national insurance to operate from September 4, however much any member of the party may wish it. Circumstances therefore, they declare, compel at least a postponement, if not modification of the scheme. . “Apart from this, they point out, since Mr Menzies resigned from the Cabinet there has been a serious deterioration in the international situation. For this reason, they argue, Mr Menzies would be justified in shelving even the national insurance issue to devote the whole of his energy and that of a Cabinet which he may create to the paramount task of proceeding with rearmament and with directing national policy in a crisis. NARROW VICTORY. SMALL MARGIN OF VOTES. CANBERRA, April 18. It is* reported that Mr Menzies had only a narrow victory over Mr Hughes by three or four votes in the ballot for the leadership of the United Australia Party. The actual figures were not disclosed. Mr Bruce’s offer to lead a National Government if required has been deferred for the present. Mr .Menzies had a bad fall on the steps of Parliament Buildings while proceeding to a party meeting toclay. He chipped his elbow which required hospital treatment, and appeared at the party meeting in the afternoon with his arm in a sling.