SIR THOMAS BENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9302, 31 July 1908, Page 4

SIR THOMAS BENT.

Sir Thomas Bent, Victoria's Premier, visited {Sydney last week, for the first time since he was knighted,; and he was interviewed by the bydney reporters. He was asked if he h#d a second Christian name. " I have/' he replied, with a dawning chuckle, " but you are not going to Tiear it." He was asked if he anticipated a lively session. "How do I know?" he said. " But if there is a fuss I'll put 'em on some living pictures." It was suggested that a song might quieten unruly members. "A song 1" said Sir Thomas. " I'm not going to sing any more. Melba asked 1 me to sing. She said she would play if I did. I said my fee was a thousand guineas." Melba hasn't heard him sing yet. Later on another reporter asked him whether, like Sir Hector Carruthers, he possessed a second name to take after the

honour of knighthood. " Oho," he remarked, andj turning to Mr Holden, M.L.A., who had accompanied him, said, "That's good, holden. They want to know over here what my second name is." " Adolphus," replied Mr Holden, gravely. "You have it. announced Sir Thomas Bent, triumphantly; "he's told you."

Eight medals awarded to Major C. Stuart, including the small gold medal for the Peninsular battle of RoLeia and the Army of India medal with five clasps., realised £210 at Sotheby's recently. . Alter fifty-four years the meritorious conduct medal, an increased pension of sixpence per day, and also an annuity of £10, have been awarded to ex-Ser-geant A. Goodall, of the Royal Artillery, by the War Office, for meritorious service in the Crimea>