Personal.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7079, 3 February 1891, Page 2

Personal.

In debating power the new Government is a remarkable contrast to the old. Mr Ballance, Mr Reeves, and Mr Seddon are the three strongest debaters left after Sir Harry Atkinson's removal to " another place." The oldest man in the crowd ia under fifty-five, the youngest is nearly thirty-four. It ia evident there is plenty of work in them. Physically, they are all, with the exception of Mr Reeves, big and burly. All without exception have carved out their individual careers without aid from outside. Mr Ballance has pushed his way, like Mr Reeves, by the practice of journalism. Mr Buckley, who came to Australia without a profession, mastered law, and rose high by his ability and force. Mr Seddon began in the founder's workshop, and steered his course to the front in Westland, whero he is the strongest local man ever seen in those parts. Mr M'Kenzie walked up the hillside of the Bhepherd until he reached all the pinnacles of local greatness. Mr Ward, at twenty-one, without a friend started an export business and made his way. There never was a Government with

such a personal record. The one man of school education ia Mr Beeves, who had a mosi brilliantcareeratChrist'sCollege. The others are notable instances of self-educated men. The Government has a collective capioifcy of individual " grit," such as no Government has exhibited since Governmen' s began in New Zealand.