146 ON AND OFF THE TUEF. 



into Parliament, and so on. If it was an agricul- 

 tural district, tlie candidate promised the price of 

 hay and corn should immediately be raised if he 

 was elected. Politicians in most countries are hum- 

 bugs : the Colonies are not blessed with politicians 

 difierent from the ordinary run of such men. 



It is reported of one gentleman, who held the 

 position of Postmaster- General, that he invited his 

 friends, ladies included, to oyster luncheons in his 

 official room, and then calmly put down the expenses 

 incurred in the petty cash account. I can quite 

 believe it. 



Members of Parliament have free passes on the 

 railways and trams. It is a remarkable fact that 

 Members of the New South Wales Legislative 

 Assembly have always important business to transact 

 in Melbourne about Cup time. This free pass busi- 

 ness is a nuisance. Members ought only to be 

 allowed a free pass when on a visit to the constituency 

 they represent. These men have three hundred a 

 year salary and free passes in all directions. It is a 

 gross imposition. No wonder loans have to be 

 negotiated. Members of Parliament are not alone 

 in their anxiety to be in Melbourne at Cup time. 

 The anxiety extends to the officers of the Australian 

 squadron. The bulk of the men-of-war are ordered 

 to Melbourne at Cup time. Strange the Victorian 

 capital should stand in need of extra guarding at thi^ 



