COLONEL BRETT ON THE UPPER HOUSE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 61, 12 March 1878, Page 4

COLONEL BRETT ON THE UPPER HOUSE.

Afc a recent banquet at Christchurcn, Colonel Brett, who presided, made the following speech in responding to the tonstof the Upper House :—" Although that important body bad 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 himself, and he hoped they would agree with him, that all the members of the Upper House would compare moat favorably with any similar body in tbe world—aye, even in Great Britain. — (Cheers and laughter.) He believed they did credit to New Zealand. — (Renewed laughter.) At bII events, be for one had done his best, and if he bad faileJ, be could not help it. At present they were drifting on a lee shore, and were surrounded on alls ides 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.) If not they would be pursued and devoured by the one or smashed up on the other, — (Renewed laughter.) There would theu be no more marriage or giving in marriage, and no more nobblers for the frieuds, for the country would go to the devil. — (Roars of laughter.) Let them take care when there was a dissolution, and there was bound to be one before long, that they sent the very best men they could get into Parliament. They did not want 'blatherskites' or fellows who gave good dinneis. and all that. — (Laughter.) They bad a country to look after, and if thpy did not look after it they did not deserve the name of Britons, but deserved to ,be hanged. — - (Roars of laughter.) He felt proud when he looked around that day to see tbose 400 gentlemen around him. And if .they asked him why, be would tell them because he was in tbe same business himself.— (Laughter.) He hoped to gain the remainder of iiia livlihood by the sweat of his brow. The farmers were the backbone of tha country. Clergymen were all very well for marrying people, and the doctors were no doubt useful at a subsequent stage but the farmers and the dear ladies wer after ali the oljeets of their consideration." (Loud laughter.)— Press.