THE BITER BIT.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1127, 4 September 1882, Page 2

THE BITER BIT.

The Parliamentary correspondent of the Christchurch Telegraph vouches for the truth of the following curious little story : — " The majority of members were at a loss to know what was going on or what was the cause of the little disturbance at the last division of the Loan Bill ; but secrets — especially political — will out. It happened this wise : The hon. member for Stanmore was looked upon by the Opposition as doubtful. Some even went so far as to say if he could be properly managed he would follow M ontgomesry. Members — presumably the knowing ones — endeavored to entwine him in their meshes, but all in vain. The hon. member for Awarua struck a new idea. Arming himself with a pocketful of silver, he entered into a close conversation "with the supposed ' railer." A walk was proposed through the town, pubs were visited, drinks were drunk ad lib, champagne was started by the down-souther, thinking that before long he would see the member for Stanmore under the table, and thus keep him from recording his vote. Rum and eggs followed, next sherry, and then gin. Pilliet, however, stood it like an A.B. He was proof against all such mixtures, but what followed? The biter, or rather treater, was bit ; poor Awarua collapsed. His opponent pro tern, walked into the chamber at 2 a.tn. as fresh as paint, and voted how? Of couise it did not matter to the mem ■ >er for Awarua about his non-atte:i-da..ve, because he had been paired.*'