Nelson Evening Mail. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1893.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXVII, Issue 287, 6 December 1893, Page 2

Nelson Evening Mail. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1893.

When the House of Itopresoutative moots tho Government will bo iv a conBiderablo difficulty regarding tho choice of a Speaker, unless it succeeds before then iv inducing one of the rival caadidutes to withdraw his claim, Of course tho Speaker is nominally elected by the Houee, but iv reality tho patronugo is, within certain limits, iv the bauds of Mr Beddon. If tho Premier were to give his support to anyone manifestly unfit for tho position it is very likely that the House would rebel, but Mr Seddou is not likely in this case to strain his authority to the breaking point. The choice ot course lios between Sir Maurice O'iiorko aud Mr Steward, both supporters of tho Government, and both with strong claims to ttio appointment. On the question of tho respective fitness of tho lwo ex-Speakers few people who know them have any doubt, iNo Speaker hrn ever ruled tho House of .Representatives with greater impartiality, firmness, and courtesy than Sir Maurico O'ltorke, aud this was acknowledged by bia political opponents in tho mo^t practical manner poßeible, by re-olecting him several times when they had the power to choose some one of iheh' own party. Sir Maurico U'Korke's defeat at Onehunga was regretted by all parties iv iNew Zealand politico, and if he had then been returned there is no doubt that ho would have been unanimously chosen fcpeakor in the last Parliament. la the meantime, however, there has been a break of three years, and Air Steward Fill probably think it hard if bis party turn "him out. Without any personal disrespect to him it is not too much to say that he showod himself conspicuously deficient iv most of the qualities w u ieb 80 eminently fitted his predecessor for the Spoakership. To do him justice ho is always courteous iv his mauuerg aQ( i kindly iv bis ways, but he sadly i ac k 8 firmness, and there is a well grounded feeling that, perhaps unconsoiously, be not unfrequently snows partiality au d gives very different troaornont to the opposite eido of the House. l v tho celebrated ii.cident which led to Mr liryce'a retirement for Parliament tho Speaker acted almost at the dictation of Mr Uallauce, and in other cases he showed a decided biap, it would be better for all concerned if the House were presided over by a man who has consistently showb his power aud determiuatkm to give fair play all round. It will, howover, bo impossible ior the Government to make a selection, without on the one band being accused ot ingratitude or on tho other of failing to select) the proper man for one of the most) important positions in the country.

An Anthem service will be held this evening in >St John's Church. The choir j of the Church will be assisted by Airs Houlker, Miss IJaigent, and the Orchestra, The service will begin at eight o'clock. There will not be any charge for admission, but there will be a collection. The annual sale of work in connection with the Christchuvch Parish Ladies' Guild was opened this afternoon in the I3i«hop'» (School. The Harmonic Society will hold a practio \ for choruses only, to-morrow eveaiug at eight o clock. Theke will be a parade of the h Battery of Artillery to-morrow evening at seven o'clock, undress uniform with carbines and swords. A few weeks ago we mentioned that Mr Roderick McKae, of Kichmond, had imported to Nelson eight two-tooth IJomney Marsh rams bred by Messrs Uidweil Brothers of the Wairarapa. The sheep were shorn yesterday, and the Jleece.s reached the high average weight of 171 b. The heaviest weight was 20Alb. The wool was remarkably clean, and quite free from sand. Mr Mcl'tae informs us that the sheep look exceedingly well after being shorn, and that in all respects they do the utmost credit to the breeders. The Lady Barkly sailed at 7 o'clock this morning on an excursion trip to Astrolabe, taking the boys attending the Bishop's School. The Lily lett for .Schuapper Point this afternoon with the members of the Pishing Club. < Tut; second class shots of the JN'aval Artillery competed this morning for the Company's medal aud ammunition prizes. The following are the scores: —

'Ammunitioa prize.?, MfcS.bKs Bisley Bros & Co., received yesterday an Alexandra Cream Separator which was intended for exhibition at the Show, held last week, but owing to delay in transit did not arrive in time. In order to oilers larniets and others interested, an opportunity of >eeiu<_' it in working order, they have made arrangements for it to be shown on Saturday next at IU'3O at their Farmer^ bale rooms. Them: are now ou view iv the wisdowg of the " Economic " Drapery Warehouse eooie very uu,ud?orae picture-) which will be distributed gratis amoug cu>tomere purchasing drapery at tbi»t> establishment.

The annual public tr a in connection with the Sprirg- Grove School, will be held on Tueslay, ih3 l!)th of the present month. The Wiikefield bind will be in attendance, and will phy selections durintr the afternoon. In the evening there will be a cor.« cert and dance. The attention of the public is diree'.ei to the pnrticulars of the household. farniture and effects belonging to Mr J. Drew which is to bs disposed of by auction on Friday.

300 -300 hdcp Tl. Seaman Harford 2-i 20 7 51 „ A. Johnson 10 H o 33 „ Taylor* 12 10 ;j J3 I J U Dykes 8 7 7 22