MOCK PARLIAMENT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXI, Issue 7914, 30 September 1909, Page 4

MOCK PARLIAMENT.

It would probably not bo difficult to discover the cause for the rather meagre attendance at the Mock Parliament at the Oddfellows' Hall last evening. The determined opposition shown by some to the inclusion of Clause 6 m the "Dreadnought Authorisation Bill" could not be removed as long as the clause remained part of the Bill, and though, m deference to those , who felt aggrieved at the offensive reference to foreigners, an understanding was arrived at by which Clause 6 should not be discussed, even this did not heal the breach. Considering the large number of debating societies m and around Ashburton, the gallery and the Government and Opposition benches had few occupants, and the proceedings lacked enthusiasm. Those m the galleries who had expected something entertaining looked on listlessly, straining their ears to catch the words of the speakers, who, up till 9.30, had failed to arouse m their hearers any greater interest than might be felt m the most ordinary event. Nevertheless, the idea which the executive sought to carry out was a good one, and it is a pity that an effort which might have succeeded admirably should have even partially failed. Whether it was wise to give the "Parliament" a touch of the burlesque is a mere matter of taste, but such attempts are very apt to fail, and fail I completely. Had the promoters made their plans more m accordance with the best conceptions of ■ parliamentary procedure, there would still have been opportunities for those who have a turn for the humorous, and there might have been much to amuse, while the speakers could have shown how far they were capable of dealing with the absorbingly interesting question of defence, and how far they had acquainted themselves with the best thought upon the subject. As it was, the -audience was forced to listen to hackneyed phraseology ; interruptions, bickerings; senseless points of order, and questions that were palpably absurd. As giving an idea of the conduct of business m the House of Representatives, the effort was stamped with almost complete failure. The first part of the sitting was devoted to qtiestions, and, while the questions showed some knowledge of tho forms of the House, they showed also rather unworthy conceptions of political life. The questions having been disposed of, Mr S. B. Pitt (Premier) rose to move the second reading of the Dreadnought Bill. He delivered a fairly long speech, speaking extempore and without notes, and made one or two good points.; but he did not touch many of the chief arguments m favour of an improved navy for the Motherland. Frequently he was not aiidiblo, but that was the fault of the building.

Mr F. H. Choat (Christchurch North) followed, and, so as to play his part as realistically as possible, he indulged freely m personalities, and was at length called upon to resume his seat. Other speakers followed, including Mr W. Clothier.

The quietness was frequently disturbed by thirsty members noisily tramping across the floor to Bellamy's, whence they returned with supplies of ginger beer. Two or three members who were given to excess were relieved of bottles containing liquor by the Ser-geant-at-Arms, who strode about the floor m a red coat and helmet, with a iboat oar for a sword.

The Parliament will sit again tonight, when it is quite probable that the discussion will be more interesting; and, after all, it should be remembered that last night's attempt was a first one ; there was no set intention on anybody's part to offend or annoy anybody ; and it is quite unnecessary to be—m reviewing the whole —severely critical with regard to what was done or not done during the proceedings. "Bairns maun creep e'er they gang;" and very likely the next time the debating societies of Ashburton hokl -i Mock Parliament they will give a mi oil more effective account of themselves. No doubt to-night's proceedings vill m various ways show considerate improvement ori those of last night.