THIRSTY ORATORS
The inner life of the House of Commons is thus described by a writer :—“No member likes to be seen openly bringing in a glass of water at some indefinite time before his speech. Things may turn up so that he finds no opportunity to speak, and to be left with a superfluous glass in such circumstances is a little ludicrous. Still, to most speakers, the refreshment is indispensable, and the usual course taken is to depend upon the courtesy of gentlemen sitting near you to go and bring the water while you are on your legs. If Mr Ashmead-Bartlett, brother-in-law of the Baroness, is observed entering the House with his hat carefully balanced in his hand, the initiated well knows what is to the fore. He has got a tumbler of water in his hat, and this he secretes under the bench before him when he intends to speak. Some times, if the oration is too long, he repeats this manoeuvre, , and once disclosed the existence of three several tumblers under the bench for him.”
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Bibliographic details
Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1089, 21 September 1883, Page 2
Word Count
178THIRSTY ORATORS Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1089, 21 September 1883, Page 2
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