COLONEL BRETT ON THE UPPER HOUSE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5290, 9 March 1878, Page 1 (Supplement)

COLONEL BRETT ON THE UPPER HOUSE.

At a recent banquet at Christchurch, Colonel Brett; who presided, made the following speech in responding to the toast of the Upper House: —“Although that important body had been frequently snubbed, still ho must say a few words on its behalf. He felt very much the honor they had paid to Inin in placing him in the chair that day. He flattered himself, and ho hoped they would agree with him, that all the members of the Upper House would compare most favorably with any similar body in tho world—aye, even in Groat 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 he had failed, ho could not help it. At present they wore drifting on a leo shore, and were surrounded on all sides by rocks and alligators—(loud laughter)—and therefore ho would advise them to keep a broad look out, and have their weather eye open.—(Laughter.) If not, they would bo pursued and devoured by the one or smashed up on the other.—(Renewed laughter.) There would then be no more marriage or giving in marriage, and no more nobblers for their friends, for the country would go to the devil.—(Roars of lau "liter.) 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 follows who gave good dinners and ail that.—(Laughter.) They had a country to look after, and if they did not look after- it they did not deserve tho name of Britons, but deserved to bo banged.— (Boars of laughter.) He felt proud when he looked around that day to see those 400 gentlemen around him. And if they asked him why, he would tell them because he was in tho same business himself. —(Laughter.) He hoped to gain the remainder of his livelihood by the sweat of his brow. The farmers were the backbone of the country. Clergymen wore all very well for marrying people, and doctors were no doubt useful at a subsequent stage, but the farmers and tho dear ladies were after all tho great objects of their consideration.” (Loud laughter.)— Press.