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94 in the three kingdoms taking place within a period of eighteen months, he persuaded the blushing borough of Launceston, on a second wooing, to yield to his advances.

Oddly enough, when at last he came to the Table to take the oath, he found he had mislaid the return to the writ, production of which is indispensable preliminary. Was nearly turned back, a calamity averted by discovery of the document in his hat on a bench under the Gallery where he had awaited summons to the Table.

But precedents are nothing when the bosom is deeply stirred.

"Can't the of the Duchy make an effort to secure a seat?",  asked in tremulous voice.

"He has made two already," retorted the practical.

Then came along, with cryptic inquiry breaking silence that brooded over Ministerial benches.

"Has the time not arrived," he asked, "to jettison, in view of the fact that nobody seems willing to swallow him but the whale?"

House left thinking the matter over.

Business done.—House of Lords passed Third Reading of transformed Home Rule Amendment Bill. In the Commons Budget Bill again dealt with in Committee. Sharp strictures from both sides. But Ministerialists who had come to criticise remained to vote in its favour. Majority accordingly maintained at normal level.

Wednesday.—, who little more than a fortnight ago left the House Member for East Worcester, returned to-day representing the division of Birmingham where his father sat impregnably throned for uninterrupted period of twenty-nine years. As he walked up to Table to take the oath and sign afresh the roll of Parliament, was hailed by hearty burst of general cheering.

This rare. Common enough for one or other political party to welcome recruit to its ranks. On such occasions, the other side sit silent, save when especial circumstances elicit responsive bout of ironical cheering. To-day's demonstration afforded striking recognition of genuine merit modestly displayed.

Ever a difficult thing for young Member to be son of distinguished father also seated in the House. Position to be sustained only by exercise of qualities of mind and manner rarely combined. Whilst his father yet enthralled attention and admiration of House by supreme capacity successfully faced the ordeal. After withdrawal from the scene his son's advance to a leading place in the councils of his party and the estimation of the House was rapid. Within limits of present Session he has shown increased power as a debater, promising attainment of still loftier heights. Ever courteous in manner, untainted by the "new style" deplored by, he, though an uncompromising party man, has made no personal enemies among any section of his political opponents.

Business done.—House of Lords threw out Plural Voters Bill on second time of asking. Commons still in Committee on Budget.



"'Hearne and Mead, the not-outs of Monday, were separated at 80, their partnership having yielded 441 in forty-five minutes.' Daily Mail."

The spectators, we suppose, could stand the strain no longer.



 "'Captain Turner only got a single when J. W. Hearne bowled him, and lunch was taken."

Probably the Major got his step during lunch; and it was no doubt richly deserved, though not on account of the score he had made in the morning as a Captain.

"'John Charles Edmund Carson were the names which Lord Gillford, the infant heir of Lord and Lady Clanwilliam, received yesterday afternoon.' Daily Mail."

If only this were a misprint for John Charles Redmond Carson.

"'The anniversary of the Cattle of the Boyne was celebrated with unusual enthusiasm throughout Canada.' 'Times' Toronto Correspondent."

These were the original Irish bulls, we suppose.

"'Plant strawberry runners with grouse on Aug. 12th.'—R.H.S. Gardener's Diary.

'Plant daffodils between grouse and partridges.'—R.H.S. Gardener's Diary."

The daffodils should make good cover, but the runners will stand no chance against the Cockney sportsman.