MR SMITH'S ADDRESS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 6782, 14 February 1884, Page 2

MR SMITH'S ADDRESS.

If Mr Smith's address to his constituents was free from anything objectionable, it was also equally free from originality or any evidences of exceptional ability or study. In manner and in matter it was the weakest of the three addresses Mr Smith has delivered on the same platform. Practice on the floor of the House generelly improves public speakers, but we cannot compliment Mr Smith on any such progression, in oratorical power. His speech ia the main was a dull rdehauffage |o£ the Opposition speeches of last session, with a few speculations as to the future. Mr Smith hardly reached the average of post-sessional addresses, even in these days of oratorical mediocrity and political decadence. He did not make an " exhibition " of himself, but he did not better bis position by his speech. He began where he left off, and his time and trouble were lost. It is not everyone who can achieve even that negative success. Some politicians with less tact and more ability than Mr Smith might have made enemies ; but the member for Waipawa put a judicious restraint on his tongue. For that we give him what credit he deserves, for it is the most that can be accorded to him. His address was typical of his political career. He did not bring himself into contempt on the platform, and he has not brought his constituency in contempt in the House. In both places political shortcomings are forgiven for the sake of personal liking and friendship. On the platform, as in the House, what sins can be laid to his charge are more those of omission than commission. Modesty is not his forte, but, conscious that he cannot lead, he is content to follow, and to fight valiantly enough so far as his powers go. He has been energetic in looking after little matters for his constituents, and if he has taken care to let his constituents Ichow of his exertions he is not alone in that. There are many members of the House far below Mr Smith, personally and politically. If he has not fulfilled the hopeß of his friends, he has falsified many predictions of his enemies. He has not done such great things as many expected, but he has done better than others expected. He occupies a medium position in the House, and after two years' trial it must be evident to his warmest friends — it must be evident to Mr Smith himself — that he can never hope to exercise the influence wielded by his predecessor in the couueils of the nation.