WELLINGTON

Bruce Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 2497, 28 July 1893, Page 3

WELLINGTON

NEWS FROM THE CENTRE. i (From Our Own Correspondent.) Parliament has now been in session just about a month, and having regard to its resulta, with good reason may people discuss tho party system of governing tho country, and the value of parliamentary institutions as at present constituted for the requirement of adminatration. The debate on the Budget is still being continued and many members, we are told, are yet desirous of speaking and doubtless will do so. The talk, talk, talk of the week has beea relieved chi- fly by the Bpseches of Sir Robert Stout and Captain Rusasll, both delivered on tho same evening Tnat of the former was distinguished for the well-known qualities of Sir Robert Stout— culture, eloquence, and a w*nt of the practical that inclines too much to the misty atmosphere of theory to suit the needs of practical politics. Captain Rußsell as usual was eloquent, but practically eloquent, with a courtesy and simplicity in utterance that always causes him to be listened to with interest and attention by all sections of the House. It is understood that Mr Mitchelson, who had gone to Auckland, has done so with the intention of rendering what asaistanoe he oan to Mr Rees in his contest with Mr Cadman, Now that Messrs Cadman and Reea have set the example, it may be oxpeoted that political duels will become the fashion. Mr Lawry who sits for Parnell and has avowed hitnaelf a supporter of the present miniatry, challenges aoy member of the Opposition to contest hia seat with him. Members of the Opposition congratulate the Minister for Labor, Mr Reeve?, on the absence of personalities in his speech during the Budget debate.' This tendency of hi* to say smart things is apt very frequently to bring him into unpleasant contact with his opponents, hence the rise of good feeling towards him. But no one of the Ministers has come in for moro numerous and pleaeant remarks from hia opponents than the Minister for Lands. One after another bears witness to his courtesy, patience, and consideration. Mr Soobie Mackenzie's forcible utterances are well-known, as is also his determined opposition to the present Ministerial party and all their ways. Speaking of the facility which he asserts the Government have acquired in making a certain order of statements, be used the following quotation from Dean Swift, "Although the devil is the father of lies, he seems, like other inventors, to have loßt much of his reputation by the improvements that have been made upon him." Wellington is moßt unfortunate in regard to two of its representatives, Messrs Fiaher and M'Lean. They hate each other and are inoessantly engaging in mutual recrimination in the Houae, to Buch an extent, indeed, that other members are expressing their disapprobation very strongly. The ÜBual petty squabble took place during the Financial debate, and Mr M'Lsan has promised the Houbo that if Mr Fisher beats him in numbers at the general election he will resign rather than be in the samo House with him. Many people besides members of the House devoutly trust neither of them will be elected again. The Liberal party at present ia not a very happy body in Wellington. Jealousy and distrust in conn< ction with those who for the. time being hold office in the Libaral Association led to a very lively meeting during the week. Want of confidence motions were discussed ; members reviled each other's liberalism, calling it spurious and so forth, and altogether gave evidence of not baing at all a harmonious family. In addition to which a public meeting of Liberals was called undar the auspices of the Trades Council to listen to speeches to be delivered by the Labor members of the Legislative Cmnoil. but so few attended that it had to bo adjourned indefinitely. It is juifc possible that even Liberals may get to realise what a deal of humbug there is in much of the present day politics. The Wellington Art Club, an association of the younger workers ia pointing, hold their first annual exhibition during the week. A large number of exhibits were received from similar associations in other parts of the colony. The private view on Wednesday evening was very pleasant, a large number of members and friends being present. Musi oal items were rendered, and tea and other refreshments served out. The Collet- Dobaon Company has come to grief, having gone to pieces. Matters theatrical are dull as present. The promoters of the Sixpenny Concerts still being held varied the series by holding an elocutionary contest last Wednesday evening Tho usual dissatisfaction was expressed at the result of the judge's decision. I have never been at an elocutionary contest yot where the decision of tho judge or judgea has not been more or le3B severely condemned. Next Wednesday there is to be a comic singing congest. The want of a Town Hall has been experienced for a long time in Wellington There ia a probability of our acquiring one at no very distant date. The Corporation are inviting tenders for tho protent Corporation buildings with the site, and if a i ißfaat' ry one is received will erect suitable building? on a reesrve kept for the purpose on tho ntw reclaimed land. A build ng of the nature indicated is much wanted. A local baker presented the Benevolent Trustees with a large number of loafa of bread for distribution among the deserving poor of the oity, Mr Littlejohn, of the Wellington Chess Club, is one of our best chess players, having studied tho game very cloaely during the la9t few years, with the result that he has come right to the front as a player. He met the members of the Karori Club at a maiden effort at simultaneous play last Saturday, playing nine members. Of these he won eight games, and the last was left drawn at a very late hour, The two side wings of the new buildings being erected for the Government Insurance Department are new finished, and the officers of the department are about to remove into them. The oentre portion is to bs proceeded with at once. Tne parts already finished give evidence that the building, when completed, will be a very fine and imposing structure. Measles are still very prevalent here, and the State schools are Bparsely attended. One of the inmates of Government House, the Hon. Allan Boyle, has been attacked by them, A pleasant little oeremony took place on Saturday morning, when the preeßmen of the city made a presentation to Mr Gordon, chief bailiff of the Resident Magiatratb'o Court, as a mark of appreciation of his constant kindness and attention to them in ali court matters,