DUNBDIN M.H.R's.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10239, 22 December 1894, Page 2

DUNBDIN M.H.R's.

TO 188 EDITOE. Sin, —Looking back bow at the meetings hold lalely by Messrs Earnahaw, Pmkerton, and Hutchison, it may be permitted to tbe writer, who listened to each of their addresses, to point out to the first-named gentleman (Mr Barnßhaw) that his mental attitude towards Mr Seddon's Ministry was unfortunatelymarred by a prejudice which tended to discount the value of his adverse criticisms and render them abortive; while, on novae occasions, he was I much too touchy, decidedly pugnacious, and he certainly tall altogether short-of that dignity in i discussion which übould animate the manner j and uttaianceo of a member of the House, i Above all, however, does he show himself wanting in parliamentary tact—that rjaeful quality of discernment of the right and fit, of that which givca the. desired result in tha hesb way. If tad; fails for the timo in its object no tinplea- I ■ -giint mam pry is left behind, 'i'hat will hardly ibe Mr Eiwushaw's experience next seis'on, unless he tries to overcome (he shorhnoniings j hinted at. Quite right to have tha cuurage -.if our opiisione, but the couro.gs bad better be taoiiful, not reckless—reerely for •lie sake 0£ exhibiting one'o coiirhjje. Mr Plulwrton's age and expcriencs avoided the pitfalls into which his jum'or colle&gKß Binnnblsd, i-nd Mr Hutchison's still greater age and cx- [ [ji-rienco enabled him to show a iiiore comprehensive grasp of the masters dealt with 'ohm the others. But one could hive wished for more statesmanlike views from the members f. r Duuedin; Mid of oratory in the full sen.so of the word there was none. The land question in Sir Robert Stout's handa, for instance, wouid | have expanded ifcaslf, while not avoiding the present and practical, into the higher regions where our national life and character are being sifted; aud it is matter for regret that Bunediu has nob sat up for herself a standard above tbe average of the community -which its membeis ouijht to reach. Surely ehe need not follow in Wellington's footsteps—go eisewhere for her rep'eseatativea.—l am, &c., December 19. A. Sutherland. P,S. —Mr Hutchison's sciesr at our Canadian | delegate was unworthy of him. That gentleman, it may be hoped, will yet give more of his services to the colony.—A. S.