The Wairarapa Daily THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1891.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3867, 23 July 1891, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1891.

On Tuesday last there was " a night with Bellamy " iu the House of Representatives, and an unusual nniuiation pervaded the legislative hall. Such a lot of dirty linen was washed in public, such soiled rags, that it is quite evident that if Parliament once possessed eelf-respect, it has lost or mislaid this particular virtue. It is certain that never before in the history of our popular chamber has there beea such an exposure of the amiable weaknesses of M.H.R.'s. We read with amazement, in the report, that some members are victims to a mania for sampling wines, ales, and spirits, ard that there is not only a big overdraft due to some friendly and sympathising Bank, but a round aim owing to trusting and obliging merchants. It was also asserted that heavy arrears were due by Hon. Members, and that in the few days brief session which, in January last introduced the new patriots to the scene of their duties, a loss ot one hundred pounds was incurred by Bellamy. Then there was a proposal to throw over the victualling department, and to retain Bellamy as a drinking saloon, and this found some favour amongst patriots. The sentiment appeared to be, " Drink puppy, drink, and hang food I" Where was the labour party in the melee ? Sir George Grey, its pet leader, stood by St. Bellamy, as the institution was necessary for the health and comfort of members who appear after all to ea'~> and drink, although our local contemporary, who ought to know, declares that eating and drinking are the vices of the privileged classes, the haughty aristocrats who live cleanly and pay their debts. Apparently the labour party in the House will not let Bellamy be put down, and the rumour that this saint is now worshipped more freely thanever,may not be unfounded. After all the attempts to wash the dirty linen were a failure, the soiled rags were flaunted in the face of the Colony, but they are not one whit whiter for the display that has been made of them. Bellamy will continue to thrive because with a liquor shop on the premises the whips know where to find certain Honourable Members when they want them. If it were not for this magnet, members would distribute themselves amongst the pubs of the Emp're City, and the task of getting them together on an emergency would be an impossibility.