Political Fun.

Manawatu Herald, 1 August 1893, Page 2

Political Fun.

The rulings of the Speaker ofx the House of Representatives atte always undoubtedly right > and ' only , given after careful consideration, but it reads oddly to learn .thafc.tin, tion that a member "was one of the clever boys " isp a. "remark that should not be made in Reference to any member of the House. The Speaker evidently objects, to , comparisons which are said to he odious.

Members are not only not to ba ' said to be clever, even by one of their number, but Mr Speaker says 1 it should not be mentioned that thejr

t had not a particle of conscience. Outsiders may form their own conclusions from the acts of their representatives but amongst each other the truth, in its startling nakedness must be repressed. Quite right too. Sir John Hall thinks that the random charges made by the Premier is more than a small matter. It would have been of no consequence if made by Richard Seddon, member for Kumara, but when made by a man who occupies the position, he does, it is dragging his position down to the level of. an irresponsible stump orator. The Premier got a good deal ' chaffed ' about his speech at Reef ton when he said "He hoped the owners of all large estates would aot as patriotically as had the owners ofthe Cheviot." Sir John Hall said "They take £260,000 of the taxpayers' money; upon which they will pay very little taxation, which they may to morrow take with them to another country ! and that is called an great act of patriotism." The Government- were also assailed about their iniquitous advertising oi; stamps and forms. Fancy Government documents proclaiming the advantages of drinking somebody's whigky ! Sir John Hall prophesied that if the Premier obtains, entire control of the. House, the walls of the chamber will be -adorned with advertisements. On the bench occupied by tho leader of the Opposition Rheumatic Medicine advertisements will appear, and over the Treasury bench the price of " Rough on Rats." Mr Earnshaw should take warn* ing from the above. He has openly said the way the Government has burked the question of social reform is a disgrace to them. He also remarked " When I am speaking, the Minister of Labour is mumbling interruptions, and I do not take them as tokens of goodwill." Mr Earnshaw. bids fair to be an exoellent member but it is evident he has not yet mastered what is parliamentary language. During his speech on the Financial Statement he waxed warm, and, like " Truth' fui James " whenever he commenced with"' which I wish to remark— and my language is plain." The Speaker was called upon to interfere. Thus during the speech Mr Earnshaw learnt that it was unparliamentary to say " How have they colluded wiih the brewers and mercenaries on the floor of this House ;" or to assert that a member was a political Ishmalitei and apostate ;" he also found out that it was not even right to tell a member " Yon hold your tongue." It would be an advantage to permit this being said and to make the members abide by the ruling of the Hotiiie,- but this of course would •• too ui|i__iamentary, v