THE ORATORY OF A "LORD."

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 612, 18 April 1878, Page 2

THE ORATORY OF A "LORD."

I The following in a specimen of the oratory <>f the Hon. Colonel Brett, ei- ! (racted. from a .'.(much made on the occasion of tho opening of tlie Corn Exchange at Christehiireh :—■ Although that important body had been frequently snubbed, still ho must say a few words on its behalf. Ho 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 p.f the Upper House would comparo moat favourably 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 01113 had done his best, and if he had failed, ho could not help it. At present they were drifting 0:1 a lee shore, and wero surrounded on all sides by rocks and alligators—(loud laughter)— and, therefore ho would ! advise them to keep a broad lonk out, and ! have their weather eye open. (Laughter.) 1 If not, they would be pursued and devoured by the one or smashed up on the j

other. (Renewed laughter.) There would then be no marriage or giving in marriage, and no more uub'ulera fur the friends, for the country would go to the devil. (Roars of laughter.) Let them take care when there was a dissolution—and thero was bound to be one before long—that they sent the very beßt 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 after, and if they 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 those 400 gentlemen around him. And if they asked him why, he would tell 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 backbone 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.)