OUR COMMONS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1054, 5 September 1879, Page 2

OUR COMMONS.

Major Willis , who lias been returned for Rangitikei, the seat relinquished byMr. Ballance with a view of contesting one of the seats for Wanganui against Sir William Fox, enters upon political life for the first time. He was some few years since a captain in the 14th Regiment, but sold out, and took up his residence in Wellington, carrying out the Scriptural prophecy of the sword being turned into ploughshares. He is a man of intelligence and a fair speaker, and should prove a very good member of Parliament. Mr. F. J. Moss, who takes a seat in the House of Representatives for the second time, was undoubtedly one of the best members of the late House. He is by no means unaccustomed to political life, having served a very successful apprenticeship in the Otago Provincial Council, having also held the position of Provincial Treasurer. He is a fluent speaker, and a very clear headed man, possessing a good share of common sense. When Mr. Ballance resigned the Colonel Treasurership, Mr. Moss was looked forward to as likely to fill the vacancy ; but Sir George Grey, no doubt feeling that he had sufficient Auckland members in the Ministry, preferred to seek for a colleague from another portion of the Colony. Mr. Moss will, however, become a Minister in New Zealand ere long. Mr. H. Allright, the ne»v member for Lyttelton, is another gentlemen who will enter the House of Representatives for the first time, and has yet to make for himself a name in the political world. He has for somr years taken an active part in the Municipal affairs of the town he has now been chpsen to represent in the Colonial Legislature, and as both Mayor and Councillor he has won the esteem and confidence of the residents in Lyttelton. Mr. H. Hirst, who has displaced Mr. Joyce for Wallace, is another political novice, never having, so far as we are aware taken any active part in politics. We have yet to learn whether his presence in the House will add either to the talking power or practical common sense of the Assembly.