That extra bit of code there is to get the constructor to work as both an object method and a class method. I.e. it allows the user of the class to write my $newobj = $someobj->new(); or the more familiar  my $newobj = ThisClass->new();. Some people (I'm one) think this isn't really a good idea most of the time.

-sauoq
"My two cents aren't worth a dime.";