At last his not too nimble fingers secured one of the pieces of paper, the boy became once more an insignificant atom of humanity in flour-bag pants, and the selected chairman was duly announced. He assumed the position with a calm dignity and solemnity, which seemed to proclaim him as not being unaccustomed to such honours, and the County Council proceeded to business.
The Supreme Moment.[A]
[A] In order to avoid the possibility of giving offence, I have taken care not to caricature any actual members of the Council.
The practical working of this system is not at present very satisfactory, and the last half-yearly statement of accounts shows that the roads of the district were not so economically managed as when they were under the former Road Boards, which did not involve the keeping up of this august body, the County Council.
CHAPTER XXVII.
CONCLUSION.
At the commencement of this narrative, I expressed my opinion that persons fond of outdoor amusements, and with moderate incomes, would get on very well in New Zealand. Four or five hundred a year is thought little of at home, but a gentleman out here with such an income, would be deemed a man of very considerable importance, and if he felt an inclination for politics, would have little difficulty in securing a seat in the House of Representatives.