ter and noble motives to his most unscrupu lous antagonist. Everyone admits that, had he acted opportunely, he could have defeated as least a year ago the Dibbs Ministry. When he should have been mounting the breach and firing his guns, his critics complain that he was deliberating behind the baggage carts. Mr Wise re marked to me recently that Mr Reid was “ the only gentleman in New South Wales politics,” and Mr McMillan that he did not believe Mr Reid could harbour revenge for more than twenty-four hours. He is no in triguer, and he believes that he can banish intrigue from the political life of the colony. He himself aspires to the Premiership. “ A new era will commence with me,” he said. “In what way?” I asked. “Well,” he replied, “ I will make no new appointments to the Civil Service for two years; I will abolish patronage.” Mr Reid has little of the magnetic power which a leader needs, his eye lacks fire, and he has yet to prove in action that he can wear the mantle of Sir Henry Parkes. He is about fifty years _of age, a barrister by profession, and a native of Sydney.
