FREE AND EAST NOTES.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 209, 1 February 1872, Page 5

FREE AND EAST NOTES.

BY P. TENAX.

The position of M.P.C. does not seem to confer on its occupants more immunity from the danger of facial disfigurement than a less exalted station. Last week, two worthy and popular members of the Council, while enjoying a rest from their arduous legislative labours, were subjected to fierce onslaughts on their august visages, by an equal number ot beery constituents, and had it not been for the timely interposition of providence, in the shape of the bystanders, there is no saymg what awful catastrophe might not have occurred. The assailants were said to be adepts in the use of nature's weapons; but nevertheless, had the combat gone on, I would have laid two to one on hon. members. I am informed that immediately on these affairs becoming known to the Speaker, he directed all the members of the Provincial Council to immediately commence taking lessons in the noble art of self-defence, so that, should "the " privilege " hon. numbers are surrounded with prove insufficient to prevent damage from assault, they may bring to its aid the knowledge of how to use their fists with effect. I was also told that the two individuals who attacked their representatives are to be arrested and .tried for sacrilege by a special commission.

The reduction made in the pay of the police seems to have had the effect of driving the best men out of the service. The stalwart dashing troopers of the Branigan era, who were the pride of the province and the envy of its neighbours, and whose very appearance struck terror into the hearts of evildoers, are rapidly disappearing. Their places are being filled with weedy, idiotic-looking customers, who, to judge from looks, can scarcely be more efficient than the Charleys of the anti-bobby period. I confess that if I have to gaze at many more of the recent additions to the force, I shall be tempted to start bushranging.