THE ORATORY OF A “LORD.”

Dunstan Times, Issue 836, 26 April 1878, Page 3

THE ORATORY OF A “LORD.”

The following is a specimen of the oratory of the Hon. Colonel Brett, extracted from a speech made on the occasion of the opening of the Corn Exchange at Christchurch :

Although that important body had been frequently snubbed, still he must say a few words on its behalf. He felt very much the honor they had paid to him in placing him in the chair that day. He flattered himse'f, and *he hoped they would agree with him, that all the members of the Upper House would compare most favorably with any similar body in the world—aye, even in Great Britain, (Cheers and laughter.) He believed they did credit to New Zealand. (Renewed laughter.) At all events he for one had done his best, and if ho hail failed he could not help it. At present they were drifting on a lee shore, and were surrounded on all sides by rocks and alligators—(loud laughter)—and, therefore he would advise them to keep a broad look out, and have their weather eye open. (Laughter.) 1 not, they would bo pursued and devoured by the one or smashed up on the other. (Renewed laughter.) There would then be an marriage or giving in marriage, and no more nobblers for the friends, for the country would go to the devil. (Roars of laughter.) Let them take care when there was a dissolution—and there was hound to be one before long—that they sent the very host men they could get into Parliament. They did not want “blatherskites,” or fellows who gave good dinners and all that. (Laughter.) They had a country to look alter, and if they did not look after it they did not deserve the name of Britons, bub deserved to he hanged. (Roars of laughter.) Ho felt proud when ho looked around that day to see those 400 gentlemen around him. And it they asked him why, he would toll•them because he was in the same business himself. (Laughter.) He hoped to gain the remainder of his livelihood by the sweat of his brow. The farmers were the hackhone of the country. Clergymen were all very well for marrying people, and doctors were no doubt useful at a subsequent stage, but the farmers and the dear ladies were after all the great objects of their consideration. (Loud laughter.)