SPARRING IN THE HOUSE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 256, 29 October 1877, Page 4

SPARRING IN THE HOUSE.

Mr Wason — Take the hon. member for Avon. How did he treat the Separation question last yoar, when it excited so couch anxiety throughout the Colony? The hon. gentleman was very active in the lobbies, out of the Honse and in the Houae, urging the qaestion of Separation; yet, when it came to the vote, be voted against the motion. MVRo!_eß.on — Quite incorrect. Mr Wason— l am not going to quote from Hansard, but I have a vivid recollection of tbe hon. gentleman's opinion on Separatto », Mr Rolleeton— l have never on any occasion advocated separation on the floor of this House. -Mr Wason — The hoc, member did not advocate it ia tbis House; hut he took up a position which reminded me very much of the small drummer boy, who beats up the recruits, excites their military ardor, and then, when the actual war-cry is sounded, slinks away to the rear, where he takes very good oare of himself, snd sometimes goes to the opposite side. Hon. members of this House know the hon. member for Avon very well. They know very well that he invariably assumes a tone of high-handed morality, and lectures the members of the House like so many good little i boys. . But let us suppose that "tbe man in the street" enquires who ia the hon. member who witb such grace lectures the House, and who with snch high-handed morality preaches to everybody else. This inquisitive outsider would say, "Surely he, of all men, must be deemed to be immaculate Surely he who flings stones about in this careless fashion do.s not dwell in a glass house. Surely he takes care to live in a houae cf stronger material than thai." But I say bis house ie made of that description of glass which does not admit the cheerful sunlight or the beautiful rays of the moon. It is glass of the commouest and thickest material, Which, one cannot see through, but which is shattered by the very smallest pebble.