THE NEW HUMORISTS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8665, 14 December 1893, Page 3

THE NEW HUMORISTS.

At the hall of the Young Men's Christian Association last evening Miss Freeman, M.A., delivered the second of the series of lectures, under the auspices of the Canterbury Women's Institute, on the subject of " Tho New Humorists." There was a fair attendance, and before the lecture commenced Miss Vincent played a pianoforte solo very nicely. Miss Freeman took for the subject of her lecture the works of " Q" (Thomas Quiller Couch), and at the outset said there was little doubt that the writer who began with "Dead Alan's Rock," and who wrote "The Splendid Spur," would win for himself a great name as a writer of fiction. "Dead Man's Rock" bristled with dreadful scenes and descriptions, and " The Splendid Spur" was another story of adventure of the most exciting character. In the latter work the author's idea, as he himself says, is that he depicts the world as a great tilling ground, in which he endeavours to teach self-reli-ance to all. Tnis idea is brought out in the poem which the pickpocket reads to Jack Marvel. In this book is a declaration of love under very peculiar circumstances, which may be contrasted with the first meeting and confessions of Richard and Lucy in George Meredith's novel, "The Ordeal of Richard FevereL" The extravagant and farcical humour of "The Astonishing History of Troy Town" was dealt with, and illustrated by the reading of extracts, and the main incidents in "The Blue Pavilion," another story of adventure, were touched upon. Reference was made to some of the stfiries and sketches in " Noughts and Crosses," most of which are sad and pathetic, with humour gleaming unobtrusively here and there. Miss Freeman concluded by referring to some of " Q's" poems, and by reading a portion of "As I lay a dreamynge," in which the lesson is taught that we must learn to be brave and endnring, not because we -know success will be ours at last, but in the face of what the world or ourselves may deem defeat, leaving the decision as to what is success or failure to a higher judge. The various points in the lecture were greeted with loud applause or laughter as the case might be, and throughout it was most interesting. To-morrow evening Miss Freeman will deliver the last lecture of the 3eries, when the will deal with the writings of Barry Pain. This is said to be the best lecture of the three and there should -therefore be a large attendance.