CAPTAIN MORRIS, M.H.R.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume VIII, Issue 685, 30 January 1879, Page 1

CAPTAIN MORRIS, M.H.R.

The privilege of representing a numerous and widely extended constituency x in the Legislative Assembly ' is unquestionably a very valuable one, but, like everything else,- it has drawbacks. Not only must a conscientious - member work hard; : 'flitting u£ till allhours and wading through an immensity of drudgery, but he must also expect to get little or no credit for what he does. Talkers alone are thought, well of, quiet men seldom satisfying their constituents. Some electors, indeed, seem to consider that making speeches is the most seriousand;important part of all parliamentary labour, but as a matter of fact a great many long-winded orations could be • very well dispensed with. Ignorami ' are accustomed to jeer at silent metnbers, though in the House iteel£- tliey meet with! far "\ more 'respect than chatterers. Tlie leau ideal- of an M.H.R. is the- man ;wjio perpetually labours to benefit his constituents, attends Committees regularly, and never speaks without thoroughly understanding the subject on hand. Captain Morris lays no claim to being such an "Admirable Criohton," but we cannot deny that he has hitherto . received less than justice at our hands. . During last session his silence and; inertia were both written and talked ■ about somewhat intemperately, though it now appears that ho was by no • means idle. A member of the Opposition could hardly expect a showor of ' favours, and the £1,500 placed on the estimates for the Forest road must have been very difficult to secure. The - Chairman of the County Council evidently appreciates this fact for at Saturday's mooting ho spoke in eulogistic terms of Captain Mokhts' efforts. . Why that gentleman has kept his good works such a dead secret we hardly • know, unless indeed, ho suffers from, that very uncommon complaint known i as modesty. The disclosure will, however, have n> desirable eifect on the • ratepayers, and inspires us'witlr hopes* for next session.