CHARLES DICKENS

Northern Advocate, 22 September 1910, Page 4

CHARLES DICKENS

LECTURE BY MR O'GORMAN.

The Presbyterian Hall was uncomfortably filled last evening f when Mr W. O'Gorman delivered his lecture on. Charles Dickens. Thf, speaker's request for a sympathetic hearing unnecessary, for what he asked wr.s commanded by his able treatment of his subject. '

There may have been Those in tlie audience last night* who had heard men of greater platform ability, hut even Charles Clarke did not handle the sub« ject which made him so famous as a lecturer more . sympathetically than did Mr O'Gorman, nor did he show a keener appreciation, nor a better understanding of the great writer. Mr O'Gorman's association with localities familiar to Dickens enabled hfc& to give a touch to his lecture .which, greatly added to its interest, and many amusing and affecting incidents, not generally known, were recounted. The leading features of Dieken's works were given prominence, the speaker dwelling long upon his.humanity. His tender pathos and the originality of his humor were exemplified by readings and quotations. Mr O'Gorman showed himself to be not only well acquainted with Dickens hut with other classic writers, and his lecture was one of the greatest treats which the people of Whangarei have enjoyed for some time. The speaker was introduced by Mr Purdy, at great length, and prior to the lecture, readings from the works of Dickens were given by Messrs Briggs and Robertshaw. At, the conclusion a vote of thanks was carried with acclamation. ■