A VISIT TO THE LOCAL SENATE IN SEDDON STREET.

Kumara Times, Issue 561, 15 July 1878, Page 2

A VISIT TO THE LOCAL SENATE IN SEDDON STREET.

Amidst a downpour of rain I stepped into the Borough Chambers an evening or two since, having been informed that there was to be a thorough field-night for business, and being over anxious to listen to the charming sounds of oratory, my fancy painted that was sure to resound with awakening echoes in our Roman forum of Kumara—l sometimes weild a free lance in the wonderworking domain of the Fourth Estate, and as it lays down the maxim that public men are somewhat public property—a glance at Thursday night's proceedings shall not escape observation. So be it known to you, 0 ratepayers of Kumara, " Rorv of the Hills" is amongst you ! The sudden transition from the bleak air of Seddon street to the warm atmosphere of the Borough Chambers had quite an exhilerafcive effect on my nerves ; they required bracing, indeed, as a sort of preparatory stimalant to withstand the awe-inspir-ing scenes that were looming in the distance. As the m-igic hours of halfpast seven had chimed, nothing but silence reigned around, but a Tow minutes afterwards councillors began to

arrive, and at a quarter to eight, there being a quorum present, with councillors ready for business, the usual furui in the absence of the Mayor, a councillor present was voted to the chair, when with the celerity of the rushing wind, a certain two councillors made for the street door, and disappeared, leaving those behind to gape with wonder at so extraordinary a vision ! Oh ! shame to offer so gross an affront to brother colleagues ! but it is the beginning of an end, of manners, business, eloquence, and retort-courteous that crowds in on my staggered mind, and with eager vividness seeks pourtrayal for ratepaying delectation. So things remained " in statu quo." And here I observed our new member putting in au appearance. Mr B. will be an acquisition to the Council; he looked full of confidence, and no wonder after his bloodleas victory. But mark uow the scene ! our slighted councillors almost pour* tray a state of coma! unpleasant reveries no doubt being dispelled by Councillor Ct. being voted to the chair. The Town Clerk having just finished a rapid and iucessant fire of wistful glances towards the municipal doorstep. Oh ! he could a tale unfold. The chair quickly disposed of minutes and correspondence, our councillors in the meantime .seizing upon every conceivable bit of paper within reach, waiscoats and coat-pockets being dived into (not to speak of unmentionables) as a kind of stimulating food to be devoured for coming speeches. And now for the first morsel of real business. ' The opening of-tenders advertised and duly tendered for. The chair objected to work in present ,form; some councillors thought that the work should be carried out and others thought a stupid blunder had been committed in plans and specifications not being laid before assembled Council, as law required. During the torrent of eloquence that was poured out upon the subject, I was struck with amazement at the imposing air and elegant attitude of some councillors in scarcely moving one single inch from their 6eats while addressing their brother senators, and equally so was my imagination staggered when the •spirit moved others to take to their The mayoi-al chair was sul-Jom recognised ; and almost as a reluctant movement took councillors to their feet it electrified one to see how rapidly they subsided into their cane-bottoms once more. I was quite bewildered for the moment and mentally exclaiming " Oh ! shares of the past." As I thought of the brilliant Richard Larlor. Shiel, whose lily-white hand as it quivered in the air, was language unspeakable, and of the distinguished Gladstone whose easy gesture was graceful eloquence in itself. But, may be, this degression is unpardonable, so I am off to business again. The chair having moved an amendment that the public work, as tendered for, take another shape altogether and be constructed at a very small drain upon the Treasury. And heie, with ready promptitude the Town Surveyors' and still yet with clearer exposition, with ample document on the table, pointed I out the different, distinguishing, and I digressing features of the work, and ! puzzling to some councillors I do believe. The chairman put the amendment and it was carried by the casting vote of the chair. I looked around for a moment to scan the eager looks of the unusual crowd of persons present (many of whom were tenderers), and there was pictured the expressions of dismay and of disgust to be clearly noted ; and no wonder to be fooled by the transparent blundering and ignor- | ance of the Council in dealing in this maimer with a work of the kind. But j io ! 1 had scarcely turned my head when ; with sudden noise and heavy footsteps, iin walked the Mayor; and, as he strode through the chambers, his gait was not of the most approved militarv style—small consideration on his part in not observing that subdued silence always recognised towards deliberate bodies ; aud here a still more improper noise was laid on as a running accompaniment made by a few individuals to imitate a miserable kind of applause, but evidently to keep their poor feet warm. The Mayor, in taking the chair, had knowledge soon of business done ; but he objected, he dissented—his views were this, and his views were that. I know well that tht chair is a great guide in all political bodies ; its authority is to direct, with delicacy and I tact; but never to mean dogmatism, or descend to a forward dictatorship. A Mayor otherwise, has but simply the voice of a councillor, and manly inde- ' pemlence around the Council table should ever assert itself. But again, to the tenders business : It was relegated to a Committee, to be finally dealt with on Monday. Magnmimous Councillors ! But what gave you the ri«ht to retain tender, and deposits aa public or privjtH property, until Monday evening, when tin work as teudered fur, ac- j oHiug to sp.-cified date and time, was ;

disposed of? They should at once htwe been returned. Did tenderers ever dream of this contingency arising? Who knows the inconveniences they may have been put to through the apparent incompetency of the Council? Veriiy, some people must yet be taught" then- business. No wonder that public 1 dissatisfaction was made manifest by people present. • B.ORY OF THE HILLS. [to be continued.]