THE FISHER INCIDENT AGAIN.

If the impetuous and somewhat irresponsible Mr Fisher exercised any wisdom at all he would surely see that his conduct in connection with the now notorious voucher incident is alienating the sympathy which at tihe outset was extended to what was charitably explained, as the rashness1 of an, inexperienced young man. ne has made certain charges and these allegations have been separately, severally and categorically denied. Responsible officials of the various departments have made affidavits—not secreted in sealed envelopes, but affidavits made in an open and manly manner—-that no such payment as that mentioned by Mr Fisher was paid to Captain Seddon. It was also explained, as indicating the error into which the over-zealous, Mr Fisher had fallen1, that the amount referred to, (£76 4s 9d) which it was said had been improperly paid to Captain Seddon at Christchuroh, had really been paid to Richard Sneddon, authorised agent for Anderson and Co., Government contractors. A photographic copy of the voucher was produced, and. this Showed that the amount was the same. mentioned by Mr Fisher, that the date was the same, and that the number of the voucher was identical. With an assurance that was. almost remarkable Mr Fisher had the audacity to say that these coincidences were most suspicious and that they strengthened his case, being oblivious to or callous of the fact that the production of the voucher with, ite details, the signatures and counter-signatures of Government officials,"and the signature of Richard Sneddon attached entirely refuted his unfair and unfounded allegations. And now instead of, making the amende honorable, he produces an envelope which he says contains the sworn statements of certain Civil Servants who declare they can prove ' a voucher was passed through the Treasury for payment to Captain Seddon for reorganising defence stores. He further said he intended asking for a Government departmental inquiry and indemnity to any Civil Servant Who shall give eVidene'ei oathis master. Mr Seddott Very properly 'characterised the course adopted aa unfair, unjust and improper, find the members of the House by 46 votes to 21 very decisively conveyed to MV Fisher their opinion, of him and the discreditable tactics which he. and Messrs Taylor and Bedford have adopted. The whole incident has been one that tended to degrade politics, to lower th& dignity of I the House, and to call for strong } condemnation. There are constitution»fal methwfc Vpen Utf Mr" Fiffc&f tb WI&&

good iiis charges, also the Premier has stated that there would be ample opportunity in the ordinary course of business for Fisher and Co. to ventilate their charges as, to the proposed inquiry. And if Mr Fisher thinks tihat sensation-mongering is adding to his reputation as a politician or a publio man, the day may not be far distant when he will have a rude awakening.