NEWS OF THE WEEK.
AT the first sitting of the new Parliament on Tuesday Mr. J. H. Whitley, in accordance with expectation, was unanimously re-elected Speaker. Sir Ellis Hume- Williams,- in describing the qualities required in a Speaker, enumerated a catalogue of virtues that might appal any candidate. His humorous interjection, however, that a Speaker, though he should be always in command and always be ready to rebuke, should not be too quick either to see or to hear, threw an opportunely highVight on what is, after all, the quality that goes farthest to the making of a good Speaker. In a word, though a Speaker , must see and hear everything, he must be patient whenever . patience soothes men back to peace. It was, of course, agreed that the House could not find anyone to fill the . Speaker's Chair who is so suitable, both from experience and natural qualities, as Mr. Whitley. The assurance of O'Grady, a Labour Member, that when this Parliament passes away "the social structure will still be found quite intact, about our heads," was welcome. The only other incident of the opening day that we need mention was Colonel John Ward's protest on behalf of the Private Member, who, he feels, is being increasingly ignored in debates which are prearranged by the Whips.
