HAPPENINIGS IN THE CAPITAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1868, 24 September 1906, Page 1

HAPPENINIGS IN THE CAPITAL.

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (13y PICNULOI’K.) Wellington, Sept 18. This week flic now Chairman, M 1 ’ Roderick McKenzie, Ims been causing quito u flutter of excitement. He Jins proved himself wanting in tact and his methods of handling the committees arc all too impatient and intolerant to suit many of the members. It was evident on Friday evening, when the Estimates were being discussed, that men were becoming restive under his control, and it was felt matters might roach a crisis at any moment. Mr A. L. D. Eraser left tho Chamber, muttering vague sentences after one peremptory ruling that ho was out of order, and Mr Baunic, who desired to ask a certain question on lust year’s expenditure, was sternly forbidden to do so. Mr Bauinu had had already a passage-at-arms with Mr HalUJoncs, who had accused him of wasting time, a charge he indignantly denied Mr Massey, after Mr M cKenzie had ruled Mr Bimme’s question could not he asked, questioned the Chair-

man’s ruling, anil moved that the Speaker bo referred to. It is believed that the Government here made a mistake by calling

for a division; on this, by a majority of four, Mr Massey carried his point, and gained a double victory, for the Speaker ruled Mr McKenzie was incorrect in objecting to Mr Bauwc’s question. A few minutes after, the House - a rallied and rather per-

turbed House adjourned for the week. It scorns certain that, if Mr McKenzie pursues his high-handed tactics with tho committee, they may result in a still moro painful episode. A most humorous point

ill the discussion occurred soon after the supper-adjournment, when members were fairly calm Mr Jennings rose and—as is the custom —called ■* Mr McKenzie.” No answer. Again he called, and a third time, and then it was found the Chairman, with arms folded across his stalwart chest, was asleep. Some men have repented that they did not seize the golden opportunity and use unparliamentary language, for which they would have been called to order by other members, and which the sweetly unconscious Chairman would not have heard. Air Flatman passed through his ordeal on Thursday evening. He and Mr Wood, the member for Palmerston North, are the two Doputy-C'hairmcn appointed by the Government, and the appointments have been a good deal questioned, not only in regard to the fitness of the men themselves, but because it is proposed to give them a small salary - which the De-puty-Chairman has never yet received. All these billets are, rightly or wrongly, regarded as “ douceurs ” —sweeteners to allay pangs of disappointment or soothe wounded feelings Mr Flatman, thanks mainly to Mr Wilford, had a most unpleasant evening, and got quite tied up with points of order bol'oro he rose, with great alacrity, from the chair, and all the while poor Mr Wood was watching Him with the expression of one who sees another in the dentist's chair, and knows he comes next. The morning paper declares he is meditating taking to the bush—but, as a smart girl in the gallery remarked, even if he did, lie would not be out of the Wood. The same evening I heard Mr Hogan, of Wanganui, speak for the first time. He was clear and interesting, and aroused much mirth by stating gravely that, though constantly trying for advancement—he was a railway laborer —ho got none till he was appointed to the House ! COMING FUNCTIONS, The last week —except for the theatre, and that is much—has been extremely dull, but this is a complete contrast, and the thorough paced society girl will have little time to breathe if she goes to everything. On Monday, a dinner-party and small dance—9 15 to 12—takes place at Government House On Thursday a committee of girls give a dance which, judging from previous balls got up by the same energetic spirits, ought to prove one of the most enjoyable dances of the season. On Saturday the Savage Club has its Ladies’ evening. Last year this was a very smart and a most successful entertainment, the club possessing in its members an almost embarrassing amount of talent. Lady Ward intends giving an At Home jsoinc time next week, and the theatre is Idling up any unoccupied evenings. Tho booking has been quite phenomenal. Miss Bruno has gone out very little since she has been here, for the re hearsals have been heavy, and the mere physical exertion involved in such plays as Dorothy Vernon and Leah Kleschna must be trying to her. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Kingston, who is even betterlooking off the stage than on. Ho is a splendidly made man, with closely waving dark hair, fine eyes, and tho most wonderful voice- The company have been rehearsing Parsifal here, and Mr Kingston as the hero—in a complete suit of silver chain-mail ought to look most picturesque. It will be the most expensive and elaborate production ever staged by the company. THE VAGARIES OF THEATREGOERS.

Much comment has arisen over the behaviour of certain individuals in the stalls and family circle, who annoy the rest of the audience by laughter and idiotic remarks at quite mal-apropos places Leah they pronounce it Lay-all in the play— Kleschna is really a splendid play, full of fine situations and dramatic dialogue, but it is not a blood and thunder tragedy, and depends much on the quiet intensity of its acting. In one scene, Sylvaino has some minutes alone during which he says nothing, but all his actions are full of significance. It was then some idiots in the stalls proffered him advice, and recommended him to get on with the play. There arc those, too, who imagine a tragedy humorous, and laugh at the pathetic situations. If looks could have killed, there would have been quite a number of corpses to pick up after the curtain had dropped, but anybody who laughs at pathos is quite impervious to indignant glares. The paper-bag nuisance is not so annoying although it, too, is a trial to sensitive nerves, but it does not affect the actors as the inappropriate mirth does. The character of Leah asjplayed by Miss Brune —is fascinating. ~ The plot is original enough to satisfy anyone. The idea of a motherless girl, brought up as a burglar, and sent to rob the house of a man whom she discovers to have in bygone years saved her life, certainly offers scope for fine situations. The girl marries the man she has idealized so long, while her bursar father is wiped out of existence most conveniently in the Boer war. Mr Kingston took the part of Klcsclma, and was a wonderful character, scheming, relentless, cruel, but with infinite courage and a great love for his daughter, although in his rage lie almost kills her when sho refuses °to be any longer bis accomplice. Leah Klcsclma is perhaps too strong meat for babes, and those who like airy persiflage and gav frivolities had better not go to see it. Mr Dudley, one of the company, delighted the Savage Club on Saturday with some marvellous mimicry. He is a splendid character-actor, and I hear reaches excellence in Sunday,” which, according to man v who saw it last season, is the most charming piece they play. Mr Gaston Merivale takes up photography, and is an expert at the art. I saw a very fine picture postcard done by him of Mr Kingston. in his make-up as Kleschna By the way, Mr Dick Stewart tells me Ins sister, Miss Kellie Stewart, has accepted .£2OO a week to play for a season in New York.