Something like a friend.

Manawatu Herald, 27 July 1893, Page 2

Something like a friend.

Sir George Dibbs has . anj !( unknown and most liberal 1: ftiepil. The Review of Reviews informs ' us that the cost of the Premier's visit to * London appeared on r HhB" L EBtimateg in the form of a vote for £1000, and it is absurd to deny th^fi 'SjrGeorge's visit to England was ' wortW^his modest sun* to the oolony. The vote," however gave joy to all Sir George Dibba' * enemies ; it gave them the opportunity of proposing inconvenient queationg ana making

inconvenient speeches. The theme was not one upon which Sir George himself could well grow eloquent, while it afforded to the more terbulent members of the House unlimited opportunity of making themselves unpleasant to the unfortunate Premier. An ignoble and angry debate on the vote was cortain, when some unknown citizen stepped in and paid the debated £1000 into the Treasury without explanation, and without even supplying— .the wondering public with his' n^me. The secret, however, has . beea^yell kepi, I 'and the incident proves tijiat Sir George Dibbs, who makes m^y enemies, has also some very attached followers. There are not many statesmen in Australasia for whom unknown friends would expend £1000 merely to save the object of their admiration an unpleasant quarter of an hour in a debate. • . , . -„ : . ;.','--