MR BRACKEN’S LECTURE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 546, 22 July 1882, Page 15

MR BRACKEN’S LECTURE.

The lecture given at the Theatre Royal Monday night by T. Bracken, Esq., M.H.R., was a great intellectual treat, worthy the presence of a large audience. That the Theatre was not full last evening may be attributed to the circumstance that the House wai sitting—a circumstance not calculated on when the date was fixed—that there was a meeting at Thorndon, a concert at the Athenaeum, and a circus performance in Taranaki-street. There was, nevertheless, a good attendance and a most appreciative auditory. Mr Bracken is a capital lecturer—to say so is only to say what has been often said before—and the subject he chose for last night’s oration was one upon which he could dilate con amove, “ The Press and its Power ” is a theme affording wide scope for the eloquence of noble thoughts, bright dreams, and poetic fancy—in all of which Mr Bracken is “as to the manner born.” At his hands no -point was lost ; terse, yet vivid description, well thought-out argument, apt illustration, and bright flashes of humor, each well-fitting, and nothing exaggerated, all aided in p rfecLiug an harmonious, welldelivered, and impressive address which gratified all listeners. If any idea seemed at times more dominant than another it was that the speaker is at heart a thorough democrat, but oue who marks with rigid and loyal observance the line where democracy ends, and doubtful demagogism begins. His poetic selections: “ The Voice and the Pen ’’ (D. F. Macarthy), “ The Battle Cry of Freedom ” (J. W. Howe), “The Song of the Free Born” (Beranger), “ Ring Out Wild Bells ” (Tennyson), were given with a vigor and earnest eloquence, showing that his heart was in the words. Mr Bracken recites poetry with much effective elocution and dramatic fervor, and was last night in capital vein. So also in his humorous selections from Max Adeler and other vendors of quaint quiddities, he moved his listeners to much merriment.

Sir George Grey occupied the chair, and in his well-accustomed felicitous style made such remarks as were appropriate to the occasion. He was very heartily received by the audience, very many present appearing glad with the opportunity of testifying their respect and appreciation. We are glad to hear that, financially, the effort to augment the Wi low and Orphans’ Fund of the Southern Cross Lodge h-is resulted in success.