Extracts from the Observer.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3975, 24 September 1881, Page 3

Extracts from the Observer.

Fox disclaims the Licensing Bill, says it is not his Bill, and no one seems anxious to claim its paternity. One of the foremost things in the Bill is the clause which gives clubs a charter. Seddon said the word "permit" would be more appropriaae than "charter," when Grey wanted to know if a club charter is to bear the impression of the great seal of the colony.' Dignan put on a wonderfully indignant air when he was challenged with being a shareholder in the Eotorua line, but he took the same ground as Williamson did, that he was not a shareholder, only, a director, a distinction which many people in the Council could not understand. There has not been such hot blood in the Council for years as there has been over this Kailway Construction Bill. As the Eepresentation Bill had broke up parties in the House so the Bail way Bill will break up the compact party in the Council. Mr Brodie, the indefatigable " sturdy feeggaf" of the Thames, met Sir George Grey.inithe lobby just after an unusually exciting debate on the Representation Bill. Quoth Brodie, "Allow me, Sir George to congratulate you on your very eloquent ppeecb. You really excelled yourself.

While I listened, it reminded me of one of Mr Gladstone's great orations." The "old man eloquent" received this adulatory tribute without moving a muscle, and ' replied in that well known insinuating tone " Well, do you know, Mr Brodie, I have devoted a good deal of study of late to the question of our public works, and it seems to me that we are making a great mistake in employing strangers like Sir John" Coode. What we want is men of practical experience, like yourself, Mr. Brodie, for engineers." The great pro consuls lace put on.one of those peculiar Sphinx like expressions which leaves ono in doubt whether he is in earnest or jest, and just then the bell rung for a division. ,