MINISTERIAL JUNKETING.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3069, 17 March 1892, Page 2

MINISTERIAL JUNKETING.

We (Tuapeka Tunes) notice that the Government steamer Hinemoa has sailed for Milford Sound, having on board the Hon Mr Seddon and his private secretary, Lieutenant - Colonel Hume, Mesdames Seddon, Gordon, Hun. Shritrski, Messrs Dawson, Hall-Jones, Sand ford, and Earnshaw, M.H.Rs. We bel #ve the ostensible object of this trip is to enquire into some alleged abuses or irregularities in connection with the prison settlement established some time ago at Milford Sound. This is all very right) and proper, and both Mr Seddon and Colonel Hume are fulfilling a public duty for whioh they are paid by the country, in undertaking the journey. But in what capacity have the othbr members of the party, the politicians, gone? Have they, too, some experience of prison discipline 1 If so, wa should like to know how it was acquired. Of Mr Shrimski wo only know that he was among tho gang of Liberal patriots pitchforked into the Upper House by his compatriot Vogel; and one would think he has done very well at the expense of the country without also compelling the country to pay for his excursion trips. Mr Dawson is a Dunedin brewer; and unless it be on the strength ot the close connection that's said to exist between beer and crime, it would not be easy to understand that gentleman's appearance on a prison-investigating committee. Hall-Jones is the Liberal whip in the House, and no doubt he wants a tonic to brace him up after tho arduous labours of the session. Sautiford is a printer and newly-elected labour member for Christchurch, and is possibly being allowed to taste of the dalights in store for the politician who deserves well of his party. Earnshaw, most pwple know, is a brass finisher, or, at least, he was before he became a politician ; and we should say it would puzzle oven a inure resourceful man than Air Seddou to establish a connection between the science of prison management and the business which politics have enabled Mr Earnshaw to abandon. But why, in the name of common decency and self-ref.pect, qualities little valued by the political patriots of to-day, should the taxpayers have to provide these inon with food and free travelling on an excursion of this kind ! Tho>e five politicians have no raoro right to accept such treatment at the expense of the couutry than the first five men that could be picked up among the loafers at Wise's corner. It's a piece of rank imposition ; but we suppose it is ona of the penalties that must be paid for the blessings of a Li bp ml administration.