MR BURTON'S READINGS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12418, 30 July 1902, Page 8

MR BURTON'S READINGS.

Mr Alfred H. Burton gave the fourth of his •series of evening 9 with great authors in the Choral Sail last evening in the presence of a good audience. The author chosen for the occasion was Thackeray, on whoso productions Mr Burton, spoke for a little more than two hours. He first presented Thackeray in the light of a lecturer, giving a summarised, account of his leftures on the Georges of England. As the four Georges comprised too large an undertaking for one evening, Mr Burton dealt only with George I,and George 11, leaving the other two' Hanoverian - Kings of that llame for a future occasion. The speaker made an excelselection,, of his subject matter, and convoyed to theaudienoe a good insight into the customs and rartitls prevailing during the reigns of the, monarchs under review. Mr Burton afterwards gave some selections from Thackeray, the author, as seen in "The Solitary Summer/' in which the humour of the writer is displayed to good advantage. • The speaker gave- a masterly interpretation of his chosen subject, and though it was later than usual when; the conclusion was reached, tie audicnce did not exhibit any signs of impatience, hut, on the contrary, listened. with sustained ; intoreet till tho end. The reading was-nicely varied, by several little sparklets of humour, which were keenly appreciated, and several times during- the evening Mr Burton was rewarded with hearty applause.