John Percival BURCHILL, the newly elected speaker, was born in Miramichi in 1855. He was educated there at the local grammar schools and then entered the lumber business with his father George BURCHILL and is now a member for the firm of Geo. Burchill & Sons of Nelson. Mr. Burchill was for six years a member of the Municipal Council from Nelson and one years held the office of warden. He was married in 1882 to Miss WILKINSON eldest d/o Judge WILKINSON and now has four children. In 1882 he was first elected to the legislature. At the general election of 1886 he was defeated in the stumpage question, but the following year was elected. In 1890 he was elected in opposition to the Government. Mr. Burchill is a Liberal.