THE SCHOOL CHILD AS CRITIC.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5729, 26 October 1905, Page 5

THE SCHOOL CHILD AS CRITIC.

JUVENILE IMPRESSIONS OF THE HOUSE. THE ESSAY COMPETITION. Tho competition instituted by the "Times 1 ' to give children of our primary schools the opportunity to print their impressions of tho methods of out Legi'-S----.laturo has resulted in some interest ingly naive expressions of juvenile opinion. Undoubtedly the best cseay received, disclosing capacity for originality of observation and terseness of expression—telling what tlio writer saw and not what lie had been told about—was that written by William A. Mills, twelve years of tig*',, of the Fifth Standard of the Newtown District High School. The winning essay, written by Charles S. Warren, of the Sixth Standard of the Mount Cook Boys’ School, was given tho first place solely because Mills had overstepped the specified limit of words. However, it is a compact little essay. Both these essays were printed in yesterday's issue. Other excellent essays were contributed by T. F. Woodcock and W. B. Lambert, both of Standard VII. of tho Mount Cook Boys’ School.

AN EXTRAORDINARY OCCURRENCE. Tho most startling statement brought to light by the competition was tho entirely unsupported observation made by one little girl. She gives prominence to an alleged happening in the House which was entirely overlooked by tho members of the Press Gallery. We give her statement in her own words: —“Soon after this one of.the ushers came and spoke to Mr Soddon, who immediately stood up. and, thrusting both hands into his pockets, pulled out two handfuls of money, which he gave to tho usher." Room should bo made for so keen an observer in tho press scats of the Ladies’ Gallery. THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE M.ILR. Further examples of the critical faculty of tlie school child arc subjoined. The behaviour of members naturally shocked many of those observers of tender years. "In cases when a 'jffember becomes excited," remarks ojio boy, "tho business of the Home is not carried out as it should be, and the Speaker then calls the members to order." But this opinion Is not shared by all. "Tho manner in which the ‘House' proceeds with its business," says another, "reminds a visitor of a Court of law." One lad specifically deplores tho prevailing luxiti*. of manners in the House, Ho writes: ‘‘Then came a bill. It was entitled ‘The Advances to Settlers Bill/ Over this ,there was a very hot dispute, during which the Hon Mr McGowan was accused of being prompted by another man. At this tho honourable member grew angry, and said something about 'underhand' tricks/ which tlio Speaker made him withdraw," A girl, however, was charmed with the demeanour oIV the M.H.R. She says:—"’All of the members spoke in a gentloman-like manner. When each member is leaving* tho House he is supposed to turn and bow to Mr Spraokcr, but lie docs not always do it." Members will, no doubt, accept the reproof; it is evidently kindly meant. A more personal matter is also mentioned by the same little' girl“ While the House is sitting the visitors are keep very quiet." Another girl confesses her inability to follow some of the members, as "they were speaking too fast." The same girl concludes her essay thus:—"Although wc could not understand what half of them were saying, it was very interesting to look on and hear how some of them argued with one another." THE MACE.

‘'l noticed a fact that X thought very good indeed,” remarks a boy, “and that was as cadi member left the room ho turned and bowed to the Speaker.” "The first thing that struck me,” says.another obeerver, "was that as each member came 1 iuto the House ho bowed towards tho Speaker, who was sitting at the north end of lire chamber, dressed in a black gown and long wig. At first I thought that each bowed before entering and leaving to him, but afterwards 1 found out that they were bowing to the mace, which was lying on tho table in front of the Speaker." "Tho business of tho House,' 1 concludes the same boy, “is carried on in a very good manner, each member talking in turn.” And, as a pendant, the impression of one of tho girls may be added;—“At a quarter to five nil tho girls loft the House, after a good afternoon's enjoyment.” ' IMPRESSIONS OP THE PREMIER.. Naturally, the children had much illuminative criticism of the leader of the House. His size was the first thing that struck them. “Mr Sodden a big man, looks a person whom men would obey; though some members of the Opposition party do not treat him with tho respect due to his size and station. He has worked hard for tiro country, and deserves tho position of Premier, which lie has held for twelve years, a record for Now Zealand.” Such is thV appreciation of one of the lads. Another pays a tribute to his energy. “Mr Seddon never seems tired of work, hut is always active. He is n good speaker ana well suited for the Government loader, as most people like a good big leader. It is, however, more for his intellectual powers that ho has held his position so long.” “Mr. Seddon, the leader of tho Government party, is a very suitable man for the position he occupies. He is a good debater, and has passed many acts which have benefited the country,” is the matured opinion of a boy of fourteen. Another lays stress on ono of the pleasant features of his position. “Our Premier and Colonial Treasurer, namely, Mr Seddon, is a very good orator, speaking very distinctly and forcibly. He practically governs this country, for almost all bills brought forward by him are passed.” Pinally, one boy sums up Mr Seddon aa “a commanding person.”

THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION. Mr Massey, too, attracted the attention of the observant juveniles. "Mr Massey is a good speaker, but as he speaks very quickly, it is rather difficult to hoar what he says,” is the opinion of one of the essayists. The solo reference to Mr Massey by another writer is: "The. leader of the Opposition is Mr Massey, a gentleman who hopes some day to become Premier of the colony." Another critic points out that Mr Massey "has not so many supporters as Mr Seddon. He makes good speeches, but does not speak so clearly and distinctly as Mr Seddon." Another points the moral that political power does not altogether depend on physical development. “ Though not no big physically as Mr Seddon, he (Mr Massey) is as much looked up to by his followers. He is an energetic man and speaks rapidly and in a high tone." "Mr Massey,” remarks another, "speaks well, and sometimes gives the Government a hot time. Ho is able to argue well for his own side.” Finally, one writer displays pronounced Liberal leanings. “If Mr Massey’s followers." he says, "were to obtain a majority in the House, the writer flocc not think the country would continue in such a prosperous state as it has 'done during the Ministry of the present Premier." OTHER MEMBERS.

Several other members come in for criticism. More than one writer noted the existence of the New Liberal Party. Mr Laurenson is described as “a very good orator," and Mr Taylor as "the best orator in the House." It is of interest to record that in th 6 opinion of one boy, "the Hon Mr Duncan, the Hon Mr Hall-Joncs, and Mr E. M. Smith are very humorous, causing much laughter when they speak ia answer to any other member.” WOULD LIKE TO BE PREMIER. Most of the competitors would prefer to be a private member in the House. The billet of Premier, however, tempts several. One puts the reason of his choice with commendable brevity—"l should like to be a Premier so that I would get a better hearing of my bills than a member would.” Another lad has no reasons. Ho would just “like to be'Premier," apparently on the same principle that he would like to bo an engine-

driver or a wild Indian. A high moral tone pervades those boys who shrink from tho lonelv magnificence of tho leadership of the House, Hero are thre*. specimen expressions of opinion that sound peculiarly unboyish:—"l • would raihcr be a member of Parliament than Premier. because a Premier has more responsibility than a member. Although the position* of Premier carries a great deal of honour and a large- salary with it, he must be a born leader of men to compete with the difficulties - which arise." "The waiter would like to become a member, not for tho salary, but tr> vote for tho bills which would increase tho prosperity of his native land." "The writer would *liko to be a member of Parliament and help to govern tho country, but does not think ho would be competent to fill the post of Premier. Members should go to Parliament not with tho intention of merely looking after their own constituency, but to help to make laws that will benefit the whole country.” It is to bo hoped that tho members of tho House will take this to heart—even at Ibis Into hour.