PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4233, 3 October 1892, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Mr Fish (in reference to his detection of what he believed to be a hidden motive of the Government's): Sir, I begin to see the cloven hoof of the Berpent I (Uproarious laughter). What are the honourable members laughing at ? I refer to the old devil —the Old Serpent—that is my meaningl In the opinion of Mr Fisher, the moment that tho woman's franchise comes into force, the power of the sooalled workingmen's party will bo gone—like Othello's occupation. The distinguishing characteristic of many a noble patriot is that he is for ever ready, in the interests ol the country, to shed the last drop of—his brother's blood. But the ActingPremier (tho Hon. Mr Seddon) is not built- that way. His weak, or rather his strong point is, to do battle for - the ladies, According to himself he in that respect, like the gallaut Scottish patrician—ready, aye ready. At the same time it is, of course, more in bis. line to live for than die for the sex, and possibly his sentiment is so free from sentimentality, that he would genially sulncribo to BbadweU'e axiom, "Never kiss a lady's hand while her lips are handy I" Ah, Dick is gallant when he claims To be a champion ol tho dames, - But Dick is shrewd as well, to play His cards for that eventful day,

. When ertry woman, at the poll, Will vote as though her doathta soul, Or latest drees, or newest bonnet, Or next "invito" depended on it I Sir George Grey (apropoi of the Government's refusal to exempt improvements from taxation): Why, sir, I never Baw such a Ministry as this before; thoy are always saying they are willing to do what the public demands, and yet they never do it I At this rate, the reforms they profess to be so anxious for will, indeed, come

slowly. (Mr Fisher: Ob, very slowly!) 'fe*Sir, I do not understand them ; but, ■'sir, this is what they are doing : This so-called tax on the rich is a bait to the poor, whom, all tho time, they oppress through the oustoms, which they will not reduce but wrongfully maintain at an oppressive pitch, though tbey estimate their next surplus at £300,000, Sir, I never saw Biich a Ministry I—Evening Press,