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The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

THURSDAY, AUG. 18, 1892

Equal and exact lustice to all men, Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political.

The hypothesis that the representatives of a people, are the reflex of the people themselves is generally accepted. This being so it is only natural that people should clearly watch the conduct,and bearing of those who represent them in Parliament. It has been our proud boast for many years that the legislature of New Zealand was the best conducted, and most amenable to the jurisdiction of the speaker of any of the similar assemblages in tho Australasian group of colonies. It has even with some show of justice been claimed that our House of ilepresentatives in this respect has stood out in bold relief as an example worthy to be followed by that mother of representative institutions -which meets under the roof of that building in Westminister, and which is so indissolubly associated wich the history and best traditions of the Empire. How sadly during the last two sessions our House has fallen away from its traditional dignity and courtesy must be painfully manifest to all beholders. The lie dirGct lias been frequently given, and there have been uttered threats which until now in New Zealand have been considered the sequitur only to a political discussion at the bar of a public house, " Come outside and have it out." A little excitement, however, consequent on too liberal imbibition of strong drink and the absence of any controlling power in the shape of a Speaker, in a position to enforce his decisions, afford a reasonable excuse for the conduct of the pot-house politicians. As regards those whom the pot-house gentlemen have had some say in putting into the position of legislators, the same plea will not hold «ood. It is true that Bellamy's is within a stone's throw of the arena of talk and some significance may attach to this circumstances, but there is or should be the sobering influence of Mr Speaker, rendered more than normally effective by the adjuncts of wig, mace and Sergeant-at-Arms. Unfortunately, when the symbols of power are discovered to be merely suggestive of ability, which is nonexistent in the composition of the man they somewhat grotesquely adorn, their effect is the contrary of beneficial. Members have unfortunately discovered that Mr Speaker Steward is in the position we had depicted. He is utterly wanting of the three principal virtues which are inseparable from a good speaker—a thorough knowledge of Parliamentary law and etiquette, an iron will and ability to promptly appreciate the difficulties he is of necessity from time to time called upon to surmount. There is no question but that had the Speaker been fitted for the performance of his duties the vote of censure on Mr Bryce would never have been passed. He allowed himself to be brow-beaten by the Premier, to whom he is mainly indebted for his position and emolument, and after he had been guilty of this weakness, he has shown that he lacked the manliness to rectify the evil results. This he could readily have done by admitting the fact that Mr Bryce had never been in direct conflict with the Chair, as he had never called upon him to withdraw the words which were taken down. To make mistakes is the fate of all, and men are to be judged very much by the readiness with which they admit an error. To do so promptly is to command the respect of men ; to do so in a niggardly manner, or refuse to do so at all, is to court their contempt- That Mr Speaker has secured that which he courted is more than evidenced by the treatment he ban been subjected to at the hands of members, nocably at those of Messrs Seddon and McKenzie. To be unfitted for a position is only a reflection on a man's mental capacity, but to retain one tuidor such conditions, for the sake of the emolument or pride of the position, reflects upon his moral character, and necessarily subjects him to humiliation, to which no man with a proper pride would submit,

Major Steward nuiy have commanded respect and obedience from the kniiiht.s of the yard-stick and the members of a volunteer corps, but he has proved to demonstration that he can command neither from the

ifouse. The credit of the colony is iit stake, and if he lacks the decency to resign, constitutional measures should be adopted to remove him from an olliue which neither adorns him nor he it.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18920818.2.9

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3135, 18 August 1892, Page 2

Word count
Tapeke kupu
765

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. THURSDAY, AUG. 18, 1892 Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3135, 18 August 1892, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. THURSDAY, AUG. 18, 1892 Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3135, 18 August 1892, Page 2

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