MR T. FERGUS, M.H.R.

Patea Mail, 7 August 1882, Page 3

MR T. FERGUS, M.H.R.

The following parliamentary sketch appears in the Dunedin Morning Herald : —

The electoral district of Wakatipu has given the Whitaker Government a loyal supporter and the House its finest-looking man. Mr Thomas Fergus is a young man who has made rapid strides in popularity during the past few years. There are envious people who affirm that Mr Fergus owes his popularity to his splendid physique and magnificent beard, rather than to any intellectual attributes which he possesses. Now I can scarcely coincide with such a view of the matter, for I look upon Mr Fergus as a gentleman whose abilities are much above mediocrity. The member for Wakatipu has had considerable experience in country affairs, and is regarded as an authority on Road Board and County Council matters. He is a good speaker, and never wearies the House witli lengthy orations. The greatest fault which can be laid to Mr Fergus’s charge is an inclination to be too self-assertive. This is an error that young members often fall into, and it is one which I trust Mr Fergus will make an effort to avoid in the future. He has a successful career before him if he only strives to adopt the suuviter in modo to a greater extent than fie has done since the commencement of the session. If a man is desirous of making his mark as a politician, he should endeavor, by all means, to make as many friends as possible among his brother members. 1 throw out this hint in all friendliness to Mr Fergus, and I trust he may profit by it, for I look upon him as a man who has a bright future before him if he only learns to play his cards properly.