The seniors sat ranged on the front benches on either side of the table, and the others crowded the benches behind them, impatiently waiting for the proceedings to commence.
According to custom, Riddell, as captain of the school, rose, and briefly proposed, "That Mr Isaacs, Senior Limpet, be requested to preside until after the election of a Speaker." The appearance of the captain to move this resolution had always been the signal for a loud ovation from the House.

But this year the cheers were confined to a very small cluster of schoolhouse boys, and died away languidly in the general silence which prevailed elsewhere.

Riddell's motion being seconded and carried, Mr Isaacs, a pallid unintelligent- looking Limpet, rose and advanced to the chair at the end of the table usually occupied by the Chairman of Committees, and, knocking with a hammer once or twice, demanded silence.

This being secured, he called out, "Mr Fairbairn!" and sat down.
Fairbairn's speech was brief and to the point.
"I beg to move that the captain of the school be elected Speaker of this House.

I don't know that I need say anything in support of this." ("Oh, oh!" from a voice opposite.) "The captain always has been Speaker, and Mr Riddell has already taken an active part in the business of the house and knows what the Speaker's duties are.