PARLIAMENTARY PERSONALITIES. No. III.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5424, 15 August 1878, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY PERSONALITIES. No. 111.

By a Stranger in the Gallery. The fatherly kindness displayed by Sir W. Fitzhorbert, in providing for the want of ordinary foresight and prudence on the part of the members of the Civil Service, is unique. His idea, that it is the duty of the Government to take care of themselves, is the fundamental principle of the Homan Catholic Church, and of every paternal form of government. Its application to the officers in the Civil Service of New Zealand is not flattering to them as rational, educated men. It seemed reasonable to accept the notion that no man was more careful of the expenditure of public money than the hou. Speaker of the House, until 'we heard him advocating, with great force, the payment of a further sum of one hundred pounds to a cleric of the writs who was previously in receipt of a salary of eight hundred a-year. It appeared as if Sir Win. Fitzherbert had adopted the motto of “ Assume a virtue if you have it not,” and had at last ended in believing that ho really was most careful of the public purse. Affluent in speech, with carefully worded and well-chosen language at command, he impresses the hearer favorably. Until warmed in debate, his voice is barely audible, and at all times, when the importance of his speech flags, his utterance sinks to a stage whisper. His long parliamentary experience has evidently taught him to attach importance to his opinions on constitutional questions, and he defended himself stoutly against the arguments of the Attorney-General. To an outsider it seems plain that whosoever issues a writ should have power to direct the clerk of the writs, as Sir William maintains. To Mr. Stout was committed the thankless duty of driving the lame horse of the Ministry through the House. And even with the assistance of the Premier as jockey, the Electoral Bill is but a sorry jade. If ardor in his task was impossible, the Attorney-General at least knew how to make out some sorb of case. With a clear diction and a decided , manner, all he says commands attention, if not respect. Heady at all times to put a hold face upon matters, and to use a plausible argument if a sound one does uot occur to him, ho must bo an invaluable member of any Ministry. If he was tame and a trifle prosy on the Electoral Bill, some allowance must be made for the incubus of a half-hearted measure. In political warfare he may well take his place as the right-hand man of his chief, and inscribe “ ready, aye ready/' on his ■hicld. A slight Scotch accent and drawl is hardly agreeable to English ears ; his use of the word “apprehend” in the sense of “presume” or “consider” is too common in New Zealand to cause remark. The commanding presence of Mr. Wason, combined with a fine manly voice, strongly recommend him to the public. His idea that the constant occupation of women in New Zealand is to strive to make both ends meet, points to a youthful and limited experience in such matters. There are some of the community who would be prepared to bring evidence against tins idea of woraan’seconomy. Straightforward in debate, and clear in his views, Mr. Wason gains a fair field for their expression. He pretends to no rhetorical or oratorical display, and appears to be a useful and practical legislator.—l am, &a, Y.