PARLIAMENTARY PICNICS

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11546, 31 March 1903, Page 6

PARLIAMENTARY PICNICS

TO THE SDITOB OF THE TRESS. Sir, —Now that Parliamentary excursions are in the air I would like.to suggest a new route for one, which ought to be taken in hand before the Discovery comes north. Our latest information as to the condition of things south of New Zealand would warrant our membeis turning their attention to the Antarctic circleas a suitable place for a jaunt. On their way down they might with advantage call at the Auckland Isles or some of the groups in their vicinity, and examine the condition of the sheep fanning industiy recently established there, and Mr Sec?jii, after his late experiences amongst the wool kings north, would be able to discourse freely on the wool and mutton industry, or the radical section led by the I member for Lyttelton might go to see that j no " social pests" were being allowed to grow fat on the profits derived from a monopoly of tlie land or from the unearned increment. Then there are the two islands recently discovered by the Morning, which should be annexed without delay, before the Commonwealth casts its gieedy eyes on them, and would give the Premier another opportunity to dilate upon the extent of the British Empire! ! ! And I so on down, pushing through the ice in I the forceful methods so characteristic of our members, the climax would be reached it the Parliamentary party could make a call upon Captain Scott in the Discovery, now fast in the ice in McMurdo Bay, who j doubtless would be glad to make their ac- I quaintance. Then, with the possibility of an eruption from the Antarctic volcano and grand displays of Aurora Australis, got up for the occasion, I think there is enough, to constitute a sufficiently enticing programme for our adventurous members, and it might result in untold advantage to the colony.—Yours, etc., SKUA GULL.