WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 52, 11 October 1887, Page 3

WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

Tacit ova own coßazsrosDxxi.j — Wellington, Friday. Tub House has been opened, the Speaker elected, and Stout and Vogelistn is at an end, at any rate for the present, and ae all right-thinking then earnestly hope, for ever. After a fortnight bf ffioat detestable weather, rude Boreas suspended hia wintry blast, and Parliament opened OH a fine but cold day. There was Bone of the usual gubernatorial pomp and splendour, the formal opening beEg done by Commissioners who looked by the way, rather cold and miserable in their dress suite and display of white " biled shirt.” Both the Grangers’ and Press galleries were crowded, and much curiosity was erineed as members filed in and tooktheir seats Amongst the new men, notably those from the South, there was a striking youthfulness of aspect which contrasted strangely with the white heads of some of the older hands. Allan, the conqueror of the Premier, was eagerly scanned as he passed up to take the oath ; so too was Withy, who has religated poor iole to a period of political rest. He is a dark little tnan with an intellectual looking head, and if he bears out his reputation will make a good speaker and useful member, The blue ribbon of Mr Goldie for Auckland West wm grandiose enough in its proportions to serve a whole lodge of water drinkers, whilst the verteran Grey, only just up from a sick bed, looked even more venerable than of yore. The House possesses quite a masher in Mr Percival, the youthful member for Christchurch South, and interest was shown in Mr Rhodes, another politick! youngster, and known Miso to fame as being the nephew of the immortal “ Barney,” and possessor of the neat little eutn of at least, if dame rumour can be believed. Hall was not there nor Ormond, but Atkinson with his hat tilted over the back of his head, Ballance with his quiet smile of self satisfaction, and Vogel in the same old armchair were of course readily recognized. Mr G. Hutchison, of Wanganui, was the Subject of some comment as he stalked Up, to do his little swear, in a light overcoat and pair of barnacles, and the quiet youthful appearance of a little dark man caused some chat as to the hitherto wonderfully successful career of Scobie Mackenzie. Jack Kerr was there with his protuberance of what the famed Mrs Malapron called the “ abominable regions ’ whilst a thin, porky looking young man was “ spotted ” by the knowing ones as Lyttleton Times Beeves, the tnan who inflicted such a crushing and unexpected defeat on the well-known Christchurch lawyer, Mr Garrick. The old buck-like form of Vincent Pyke was amongst the absent ones, but the chirpy looking little Wellington medico Dr Newman occupied his old seat near the lobby door. Jimmy Carroll received the congratulations of tnany of the old members who knew him in his interpreting days but the presence of Sydney Taiwuanga, a good specimen of the Maori wordspout, is not regarded with anV great amount of delight. Menteath the future Attorney-General, as some folks say, is of the masher order of young men and is certainly an inprovement, so far as looks go, upon Mr Frazer. A fine looking man is another of the probables for the new Ministry, Mr Tbrgus, with his carefully trimmed beard. He is the member for the mountain-cum-lake district of faraway Wakatipu. A smart looking individual whose name for at a time pntsled many of the quidnuncs is Mr J. G, Wkrd, of. Awarua, whilst Mr Marchant, of Taranaki, becomes of interest to all who know his cousin, the Government surveyor, Mr Nicholas Marchant, whilst the “ modern Cassandra,” Mr Moss, of Parnell, whose name is mentioned by many as a probable minister attracts attention as he takes the oath in company with the somewhat preachy Mr Monk, the member for Waitemnta.

After all bad kissed the book in the traditional manner came the leading function of the day's proceedings, the election of Speaker. Sir Maurice O'Borke who was sitting on the Opposition benches not far away from the rubicund, jovial looking Chairman of Committee, Major Hamlin, bad to listen to much eulogistic oratory from Messrs Lance ana Pearson. Lance made a capital speech in which he dealt out much “ butter " to the New Zealand Parliamemt for its high tone and lack of acrimony and asperity. Pearson, the short smart sturdy looking member for Ashley followed in the wake of Lance after which came a fine response from Sir Maurice. The Speaker has a fine voice and a most dignified delivery and what slight eoupeon of Hibernian brogue he possesses lends an additional charm to -his oratory. According to the standing orders no question need be put when only one candidate is proposed for the Speakership and so the next sight to the interested onlooker is the solemn procession of Sir Maurice to the steps of the Chair conducted by his proposer and seconder. Now follow congratulations from the two opposing giants of the House, the beaten Colonist Treasurer and the Victorious Atkinson. Vogel makes striking reference to the loss of Stout, whilst Atkinson makes scant but striking allusions to the absence of hie old and distinguished colleague the member fur waitotara. Atkinson makes his statement concerning his interview with His Excellency, the adjournment is moved and put to the House ; the Speaker declares “ the ayes have it ” and in five minutes the House is cleared, and the first day of this New Zealand Parliament is over.