AN ENERGETIC MEMBER.

Manawatu Times, Volume IV, Issue 46, 9 June 1880, Page 2

AN ENERGETIC MEMBER.

The hon. member for Waitaki, Mr. Shrimski — more generally known by the appellation of "Little Shrimmy" — is|.a living exemplification of the very common saying, " Good goods are wrapt up m small parcels." Shrimmy is not imposing m person, neither is he possessed of. grand oratorical powers, still the hon. member for Shrimptown has a knack of working the oracle which speaks well for his ability as a " lobbyist " — a qualification which is of more use to a constituency than if a representative were possessed of the eloquence of a Cicero or the language of a Demosthenes. When the electors •of Oamaru shelved his predecessor, the gallant Major. Steward, — better known m the House by his soubriquet of " Tbe Deceased Wife's Sister,"-^it was generally supposed that the White City and its district had semi-dis-franchised itself, but tlie senior member has since proved how mistaken was the supposition. His oratorical displays do not very m,uch tax tbe powers of the recording angels, and were his brother legislators as careful of their speech as he, the labors of the Hansard staff would be very much decreased, and a considerable sum saved to the country. Although, however, Shrimmy is the model of a looal representative, he can scarcely be called a legislator m any sense of; the word, as his plans and plot* tings have a line of demarcation, and that line is the boundry of the Waitaki District. It is true he. was witbin an ace of acquiring a celebrity which would be handed down to posterity, as hi* was the proposition which removed the seat of Government to Christchurch, but that like all his victories was effected by a coup de main. His most lengthy addresses never exceed (three, linea*.. but Mr. Shrimski has a vote and a will, and; his simple "Aye" or " No," as the case may. be, brings with it material advantages to the people he represents. He is the working bee m tho Waitaki hive, leaving the upholding o$ tha representative, honor m the hands of "his honorable colleague."" Mr. Shrimmy is not exactly- .the, kind- of man with whom you would care to be seen m the fropt row of a dress circle, or [introduce to an evening- party, but whew ay point has to be] worked, a Minister "got at," or a. badger drawn, ; there is not a weasel m existence, to equal that wily little 3Je.brew , l