THE MIDGETS.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7871, 23 May 1891, Page 6

THE MIDGETS.

HALF AN HOUR WITH GENERAL MITE.

"General and Mrs Mite at home, 3 p.m., Friday." This was the intimation received yesterday, and accordingly a'member of the staff, of the Press paid a visit to the two very interesting visitors at the hour named. Several of the medical gentlemen of Christchurch were also included in the invitation, and were present. On entering, the General, who most thoroughly exemplifies his name, being scarcely as nigh as the seat of the chair, received his visitors with a stately bow and a courteous "Be seated, gentlemen." The presentation to Mrs Mite, a most charming little lady of some inches high, being over, the General entered into conversation. He is a thoroughly cultured little gentleman, having travelled over every part of the world, and speaks, three or four languages fluently.' In answer, to questions, he stated that he was born in the State of New York, and his consort in the State of Michigan. After leaving America the little couple went to England and travelled all over Great Britain, being presented to the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales. From thence they proceeded through France and Germany. "Ah," said the General reflectively, when the conversation turned on the latter country, "I am very fond of Germany, particularly of the Rhine and the beautiful scenery." The nonchalant Sir Charles Coldstream air with which he said this was remarkably funny. The journey through Spain and on to Gibraltar, thence out to Australia, was told with wonderful facility of description and showed great perception of men and things as seen by a traveller. "I am delighted with New Zealand." said the General. "I think New Zealand and Queensland the two best of the colonies I have visited." The subject of music was next touched upon and here the General proved a thorough enthusiast. He expressed the greatest admiration for Sims Reeves, whom he heard several times in England, and also Soke in terms of great praise, of Madame arie Roze and the eminent contralto, Madame Patey, who visits us shortly. On the subject of books the General was equally fluent, and on all topics, of general interest he converses with such a thorough and complete knowledge as to make a chat with him most entertaining and pleasant. Mrs Mite is an exception to the ordinary run of her sex, inasmuch as she took but little part in the conversation, only here and there interjecting a word or two calling to the General's memory some part of their travels which he had forgotten. She took very great pride- in exhibiting her jewellery, which comprises amongst other things a pretty little bracelet given by Mrs Langtry, a diamond brooch from the Countess of Kintore, and other presents. Altogether the Midgets are a very pleasant little couple, full of anecdotes of travel, kc. The father and mother of General Mite travel with them, and have several other children all of the ordinary size. The Midgets make their first public appearance this evening at the Oddfellows' Hall, and on Monday afternoon the first matinee per* formance will be given.