No Featherbed Warrior

Southland Times, Issue 12730, 14 October 1893, Page 3

No Featherbed Warrior

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Under the above heading a paragraph appeared in your issue of Thursday last. On reading it I was exceedingly pleased to know that we had a real hero in blew Zealand, in the person of Mackay John Scobie McKenzie, M.H.R. for Mount Ida, who is generally called Scobie McKenzie or McKenzie of the Mount. It appears that Mr McKenzie has been asked to stand for. two or three districts where he would almost have a walk over, but he declined. Scobie would rather encounter a foe “worthy of his steel” than make an honourable retreat and leave the field to the Hon. John McKenzie. Apparently a strong strain of the blood of his Highland ancestors runs in his veins. Although not of great stature he has indomitable courage, quick and keen perception,an affable manner, and a chivalrous bearing, is a sharp debater, and a keen, trenchant critic; a man of general knowledge and his erudition is of no ordinary kind. It is well known amongst Parliamentarians that members avoid, if possible, measuring swords with “ Scobie ” for the reason that they all know that he can wield effectively his two-edged sword in debate. Scobie’s combat with Sir Robert Stout at Mount Ida, where he'demolished the doughty knight and smote him hip and thigh is not forgotten. It was moqted sometime ago by several electors in Southland that ho'might be induced to address the electors hero. Whatever differences the electors of Southland may have on political questions and of whatever colour they may be, I am sure that they will appreciate and admire Mr Scobie McKenzie’s heroic conduct, his open-minded, candid opinions and criticisms. Permit me to suggest that he be invited to give an address on the leading questions of the day. For the last few years we have had several Ministers addressing us and extolling theiradn-inistrationin.no measured terms. I think we are entitled to hear some on the other side. I venture to say that we could assure him a bumper house, an orderly , meeting and an attentive hearing.—l am, &c. Cabarfeidh. 13th Oct.