“A SICK DONKEY.”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 120, 6 May 1911, Page 8

“A SICK DONKEY.”

FACETIOUS STATEMENTS. MR. HOGG AND THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

Mr. A. W. Hogg. M.P.. was in happy vein on Thursday night at the Masterton Town Hall and provoked the audience to roars of laughter by his allusions to the House of Lords. ‘ They should throw out the blue bloods,” he said, a sick donkey. 1 call them, who are obstructing the passage of the Veto Bill. (Roars of laughter). But the donkey is going to be removed" he continued, '‘Asquith has it by the ears, Lloyd George has twisted its tail, and though it may be full of obstruction, because that is always the way with a sick donkey, he is the most intractable creature in the universe. (More prolonged laughter). That donkey Jias got to be removed out of the way and it will be a great relief to the British Empire when he is removed. They (meaning the members of the House of. Lords) are standing in the way of progress, but notwithstanding their blue blood they are going to bo swept away by force of public opinion.” (Loud applause). A little later Mr. Hogg had something to say about the House of Commons which proved ecftiallv mirth-provoking. “Owing to the presence here to-night.” he said, “of gentlemen who are occupying seats in the House of Commons, 1 wish to speak <•>' it with the greatest respect. Yet I cannot help speaking of it as a natural freak ;

I was going to say monstrosily. but that would be rather strong. Just imagine 670 members sitting in one chamber trying to discuss the affairs of the United Kingdom. If they were as talkative as our Legislative Council that House of Commons would be far worse than

a poultry exhibition. (Loud laughter.) I went some time ago to Eketahuna to open one, and when I commenced my address I found I was summarily crowed down. (Loud laughter.) It seems to me

to be an absurdity and that in 670 representatives there is enough material for at h a.-.- a score of parliaments instead of one. Lei me carry my poultry illustrat ion a little further. (Laughter.) Imagine a poultry farmer with 670 fowls providing only one nest for them to lay in! (Loud laughter.) And every one of those fowls a rooster. (Roars of la lighter.) I am afraid there would not he much Home Rule there. ’-AVairarapa Times.