MANAGEMENT OF THE NO. 2 SLUDGE CHANNEL

Kumara Times, Issue 2992, 5 June 1886, Page 2

MANAGEMENT OF THE NO. 2 SLUDGE CHANNEL

THE MEETING AT DILLMAN'S TOWN. [By a Commercial Tbavelleb.] Kumara, June 4. Sir—Being on a visit to this part of the coast I strolled out us far as Di'lman's Town last Thursday evening, aud seeing a crowd on the street, I listened, as I passed, to the conversation, and hearing the words Minister of Mines •md Premier being freely used, I concluded one of these amateur parliaments was ahout to meet. As I was curious o see how diggers would conduct such an assembly, I waited, and watched, and listened at a window. Presently I was joined by a young man, seemingly a digger, who supplied names, and made the proceedings otherwise intelligible. First of all a Speaker was elected and he seemed determined that lie should speak. I counted twelve speeches delivered by the speaker, a Mr Morris, and he grumbled at anyone else having anything to say. Then came some remarks from Mr ffannan, who seemed to have the portfolio of Attorney-General. Next came Mr F. Bairowman, but whether as Premier or leader of the Opposition I could not well determine, and question if he could himself. He seemed too radical to have been in office, but perhaps a handle to his name might tone him down. Next in turn came a little fussy gentleman, named Whyte, who seemed to me to be acting as whip for the right centre; but he struck the wrong chord, and found that he whs not in accord with his chief, and suddenly collapsed. Next a tall gentleman, with a Jewish name, rose methodically and orated, somewhat on the opposite side of the house, not understanding what they really wanted. After each speaker, the Speaker of the house did what he considered his duty and spoke. Mr George Watson made an attempt to be heard, but as Mr Speaker was on his feet, Mr W..tson was named, and consequently deprived of speaking for the remainder of the session.

When" there was a likelihood of a Government being formed, a Mr M'Glone said he -was agin it, and impeached both the Government and Opposition with fraud, conspiracy and coercion, and on being reprimanded from the chair he apologised and left the chamber. My friend supplied me with the names of several other speakers, but my fingers "were getting too cold to take them dowD, so I strolled into the lobbies and heard it freely discussed among members from both sides of the house that it was advisable to have the Speaker removed to the Upper house, as his past services had merited such preferment, and might be the means of expediting business in the Lower House. It was also agreed before rising that on that day week a Coalition Ministry was to be formed to enable the business in hand to be brought to a logical conclusion.