A.P.H. AS LEGISLATOR

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18900, 30 December 1935, Page 12

A.P.H. AS LEGISLATOR

UNEXPECTED SUCCESS PROM . GAY TO GRAVE LONDON, Nov. 25. Oxford University has enhanced its fame by electing Mr. A. P. Herbert to the'House of Commons —much ,to" Mr. Herbert’s surprise. Indeed, this unexpected success at the poll seems to have been rather 100 much for A.P.H., for his mood has passed from gay to grave. There is every sign that he intends to take his Parliamentary duties very seriously, if only to counteract the deadly effect of his outside reputation for humor and hilarity. His jokes in Punch, his plays, and his books will no doubt besprinkle his path with thorns, but most of his admirers fortunately realise that he has always held extremely solemn opinions of the English divorce and drink laws. On these subjects ho lias the ideas of a sincere and unflagging reformer. The House will inevitably hear a lot from him on these topics. Meanwhile, his political triumph has given pleasure to a multitude of his friends, and congratulatory messages are pouring in upon him from the four points of the compass. They come from actors and actresses, from readers of Punch, from skittle players in Hammersmith, from cranks, and even from ordinary or garden citizens. The sentiments of the theatrical world, where his popularity is like sunshine, were conveyed in a telegram from Mr. Gillie Potter: “Heartiest congratulations, brother clown,” to which Mr. Herbert replied by postcard : “Hail, common voter! —Yours, A.P.H. * (Legislator).” For Mr. Potter, too, is a wag professionally, though, in private, an ardent Anglo-Catholic and an inveterate writer of letters to the Church Times. A year or so ago he had thought of standing as an independent for Parliament on a platform of “England for the English,” with special reference to the theatre, but he changed his mind. Perhaps, as a comedian, he came to the conclusion that his candidature would be regarded as frivolous. The good fortune of his pal A.P.H. may, however, encourage him to come forward at the next general election. And, who knows? —We plight still live to see Mr. George Robey on (he hustings. That, for certain, would be a spectacle. His eyebrows alone would ensure a long succession of crowded meetings. Mr. * Herbert will naturally adopt a policy of action in the House, and, as an Independent, will vote as he thinks best. But unluckily, in a Chamber which constantly echoes to the crack of the party whip, no mere individual, however earnest, can hope to achieve much. Unless he -can gain the ears, of a substantial Conservative section, therefore, A.P.H.’s enthusiasm is bound in the long run to peter out in talk.