GENERAL AND MRS MITE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 72, 26 March 1891, Page 9

GENERAL AND MRS MITE.

TWO INTERESTING LITTLE PEOPLE. ■?'

General and Mrs Mite, who are playing at the Opera House, were interviewed by one of our reporters yesterday afternoon ab the Central Hotel, where the General and his bettor half are staying. Wo were welcomed by Mr E. JF. Flynn, the father of General Mite, who was seated chatting wibh Mrs Mite. The General had just finished dressing after having indulged himself in an afternoon " nap," and greeting our reporter with a cheery handshaking, ib was nob long before the ice was broken, and we were in the midst ol a lively conversation. General Mite is an entertaining little fellow, and he carelessly walked about the room with both hands in his trousers pockets, chatting intelligently on various subjects. He was attired in a well-fitting suit, and his vest was adorned with a neat gold chain, while he displayed several rings on his fingers, besides wearing a diamond collar stud. The General speaks English tinged with an American accent, and he has a knowledge of German and French, ln his manner, the " little man" is quick and decisive, and he speaks with the precision of a man who combines shrewdness with an extensive knowledge of tbe world. General Mite is a slight sufferer from asthma, but on the whole, he enjoys excellent health. In height he stands 22 inches and he weighs bebwoen 141b and 151b. His real name is Francis Joseph Flynn, and he was born at Greene, a town in Chenango Co., Now York, on Octobor 6th, 1864, and then was only 21b in woight. Since that time and up to the present he has increased aboub 121b. The General is now in his 27th year.

Mrs Mito sab near the window in tho room on a large easy chair, and was attired in a loose gown, around which was encircled a protty sash. Like her husband, sho enjoys good health. She is a dainty littlo morsel of a woman, with large, bright aud intelligent eye 3. Mrs Mite is moro modest and retiring than her " lord and master," and can fairly lay claim to being good-looking. Her maiden name was Millie Edwards, and utio is three years younger than the Goneral. Sho was born at Calamazo, Michigan, on Soptember lsb, 1867, and weighed IMb at birth. Mrs Mito stunda a shado taller than her husband, and scales about 151b.

Both Mr and Mrs Mibo are accompanied by their fathers and mothers, who travel from town to town with them. Their parents have each reared families, the other members being of good physique, while the mothers woigh about Hat each. Mr Flynn, the father of the General, stands sft llin in height, and is a fine, robust, soldierly-looking man.

Interrofuted in reference to his marriage, the General replied that the nuptials were eolobrated at St. James's Hall, Manchester, on the 28th May, 1884, the ceremony being performed by a Presbyterian minister named bho Rev. J. Mackio. The littlo couple stood on a. table besides the officiating clergyman. For tho first year of hia professional life the General travelled with a Spanish Mexican lady dwarf about his own height, but in 1680 he met his piosenb wife in Liverpool, and lour years later ho married her. They have lived happily ever since, both possessing most amiable and cheerful temperaments.

Tho General and Mrs Mito can lay claim to having travelled almost round the world, and have visited England olf and on for nine years. They have been in the colonies aboub eighteen months. The little couple can also boast of having had tho honour of appoaring beforo Queen Victoria, at Buckingham Palaco, in 1881, tho Prince and Princoss of Wales, mid other notabilities, including President Hayes. Itwaswhilo General Mito was holding a reception at White House, Washington, in 1870, that ho had tho honorary title of "General" bestowed on him by PresidentHnyos, which distinction ho still holds. By virtuo of this title he woars the uniform of a General of the American Army, and naturally tho mito is very proud of his rank. Sevoral colonial Governors have also honoured tho little couple, nnd ab a reception held at Government House in Adelaide Mrs Mito had presented to her a pretty miniature brooch, In tho shape of a South Australian ruby, set in Australian gold, and surmounted by a diamond coronet. The littlo lady showed the brooch to our reportor with pardonable pride. " And where did you make your first bow to an audience ?" said our representative.

"Oh, that was in 1870' at the Centonnial Exhibition at Philadelphia," said the General. " I very nearly got squeezed to death with the crowd endeavouring to get a peep at me." " Does the time hang heavily on your hands ?"wnf the next question. "Oh no,"said tbe Goneral, " during the day we play cards, dominoes and draughts. I also read a groat deal. I'm very fond of reading. When the weather is very fine we take a long drive in the country, and when we reach a quiet little place we indulge in a walk. That is tho favourite exercise of both Mrs Mite and myself."

" What does your diet consist of ?" queried our reporter.

"In this respoct we do nob differ from anyone else," said the General. "We just sib down with the other members of the family, and eat what is going. Personally, I'm very fond of meat. Wo also indulge freely in tea, coffee, and chocolate," and added the General with a knowing wink, " I can tako something 'stronger.'"

No sooner had tho General uttered this last expression than the hotel bell rang for dinner, and bidding the General and Mrs Mite adieu our reporter retired.

After their Auckland eea«on, the Company go to the Thames for a short visit, and will then tour the colony.