The Speaker and the Publisher.'

Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 198, 26 August 1873, Page 7

The Speaker and the Publisher.'

Sir Francis Dillon Bell appears to be causing unlimited fun in the Empire City. Mis dispute with the reporter had scarcely been forgotten, when he fell foul of a publisher, in the following manner, as is related by the Wellington correspondent of the North Otayo T*imes: —"Some person has written a pamphlet on the mistake of allowing private individuals to purchase Native lands, and circulated it among the members. It acted on the Speaker as a red rag on a mad hull. He rushed down to the publisher and demanded the name of the author, which the publisher declined to give him, failing to see his right to ask such a thing. Sir Dillon Bell told him who he was and asked again. The publisher said he hoped he was well. Then Sir Dillon strode out of the shop, saying with crushing dignity that the publisher would repent his refusal." The some authority says that a good tale about Sir Dillon is also current in Wellington. Before he was knighted he had occasion to visit a conn cry post-office. Above the window of the public room at which clerks attend to sell stamps, &c, was a notice announcing the closing of the English mail. Sir Dillon knocked at the window, when the following conversation took place : i?ir D.: When does the English mail close ? Clerk: Tf you will look nt the notice above the window, sir, it is announced. Sir D.: (Repeating the question emphatically.) Will—you—tell—me—when the mail closes 1 Clerk : If you will look at the notice above the window you will see. Sir D. : I am Mr Francis Dillon Bell. Will you tell me when the mail closes 1 Clerk: Can you read, sir? (very innocently.) Sir D. : Sir ! Clerk : Because if you will read the notice about on a level with your nose you will ascertain when the mail closes. (Exit Sir D., fuming.)