PARLIAMENTARY PERSONALITIES.—VII.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5444, 7 September 1878, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY PERSONALITIES.—VII.

(By a Stranger in the Gallery.) The acoustic properties of the House are such that it is almost a relief to be able to point to one man with stentorian lungs, who would be invaluable on aquarter-deekin a stormMr. Barff is happily one of the members who should not be offended by severe personalities. He indulges in them freely himself, as when he told one honorable member distinctly that he had been talking nonsense on a subject ho knew nothing about. When the member referred to shook his head in contradiction of this assertion, he was met by the retort—“ Tne hon. member shakes his bead; I never knewbim sbakp any sense out of it.’,’ Mr. Barff was thereupon called to order, as the Speaker considered such personal allusions in very bad taste. Upon another occasion, it was amusing to hear Hr. Barff, with' a voice like a brass speaking trumpet, complaining that certain members were inaudible, and boldly adding that “ they could make themselves heard if they chose." When a few minutes later ho had occasion to speak himself, ho delivered himself with such energy that one person who objected to thunder at his right ear said ironically “speak up.” Mr. Barff remarked that he thought the hon. member’s oars were longer than they appeared to be. As a debater Mr. Barff may be said to have a very considerable amount of power. A ready flow of language, given with considerable emphasis, with every syllable distinct a mile off, clear, and 'independent habits of thought, combine to single him out as a good member, and one likely to be of service to the side to which he might attach himself. Direct cutting personalities, though they raise a laugh, are not to be commended in the House of Representatives. Mr Barff is a fortunate man to differ with, because he is absolutely persuaded in bis own mind that bo is right and yon aro wrong, and is therefore content to pity you. Mr. Woolcock distinguished himself last week by an exhaustive criticism of the financial polioy of the Government. With a power of expression above the average, its effect is marred by a rather unpleasant voice and a failing common to several other members in' tho House. Not wishing to shook the sensibilities of those who offend our ears, we will only say with Byron—

It was whispered in Heaven, ’Twas muttered in Hell, Ac , and add that in tho cases referred to tho whisper would be imperfect and the muttering indistinctly aspirated. In other respects Mr. Woolcock is a member who speaks only when he has something new to say that seems likely to further the progress of business. His thoughts are clear, his speech deliberate, and he always commands the attention of the House.

One of the most remarkable speeches that over oamo before the writer in a printed form, was one made by Mr. Nahe, on native matters, during last session. In consequence some interest was felt by him in that individual. When Mr. Nahe spoke the other day on the Electoral Bill his speech was a good one. Two clear points were made by him. One was, “ This is our Bill, a Government measure, I must vote for it or shall get into a row with my colleagues.” The other was, “Do the Maoris a little more than justice, let them retain this dual vote ; not booauso I want to see them unduly favored, but so as to remove any sense ef injustice in the post that they may still feel.” The Maoris aro probably fortunate in their interpreter, whose ready translation is marvellously pleasant, and at times raoj; but so far as a stranger can judge, who is not in any way behind the scenes, the number gf Maori , members might be trebled, and ;if they understood English well no harm would ensue. Y. ■ ;