MEMORIES OF THE PAST.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19010, 5 November 1923, Page 10

MEMORIES OF THE PAST.

ME HARRY LYNCH’S REMINISCENCES. Mr Harry Lynch, of the Lynch Family Bellringers, whose association with tne theatrical world extends over a very long period, had an interesting talk with a-Daily Times reporter on Saturday. "Although many vests have elapsed—to wit, half a century—since wo first visited Now Zealand,’’ said Mr Lynch, , “the memories of our initial appearance in this country are as vivid and' pronounced as ever. It was in 1872 that London agent, Charles Bright, now lo'ng deceased, mapped out a tour through New Zealand which ultimately was faithfully carried out. At that period we had 'just concluded a long season at the the Hay market Theatre, Melbourne, and for the previous four years had loured the whole of Australia and Tasmania. We arrived at Port Chalmers, if inv memory serves me right, in June, 1H 72. by the s.s. Alhambra, commanded by Captain M'Lean, well known under the nickname cf “Hell-Fire Jack,” after a very stormy passage—so rough indeed that \ve never expected to see land again. Wo opened the following night at the old Masonic Hall, Moray place, where we re eeived a very cordial reception, and the season proved highly remunerative. Amongst those I had the pleasure of meeting was Mr Julius Vogel, who later became Sir Julius Vogel: the Hon. Air Sheehan. Minister of Native Affairs, whom we accompanied on a later visit, (1875) to Alexandra, Hamilton, and To Awamutu, when he opened the Land Courts thei>, Sir George Grey, who.'was here on a visit from the north; Mr Larnach, of Larnach Castle; Mr William Fenwick, of the Otago Witness; Mr Mark Cohen, of the Evening Star; Mr Hudson, of Messrs Hudson and Co,, who later bought the hall we played lu and converted it into a ■ factoryMr Robert Stout, subsequently Sir Robert;’ Air Charles Slathatn. whose brother, Professor Alfred Stalham. wijs connected with us for many years, during our American and European travels: Air Vincent Pyke. police magistrate, who made me a present cf his book, "Wild Will’s Wanderings’’; Air Halliwell, head master of the High School, whom I had known in 1866 in the Old Country before he came to New Zealand; Messrs Proudfoot Bros., the pioneer; constructors of the local trams, and many others, most of whom have now passed oyer to the great beyond. It is therefore with feelings of natural interest that I revisit the dominion and not<> the general progress that is taking place in this country. “Alany years ago in writing an account of our travels for ’ the Bristol Alercury. West: of England, where I was born. 1 wrote as follows: —‘We toured New Zealand from the Bluff to Whangarei. over mountains, streams. - and dale, and I honestly regard the islands (3), but practically .'only- twp, as the richest in climate, soil, and natural advantages to be found on mother earth, ,'lhe people, too. are a superior combination, and although' numbering onlv half a million (more’s the pity) their equals in literature, politics, and nerBOnality are not to be found in any part of the world. A great country and great people sums up New Zealand.’ Thirty years have elapsed since I penned those Words for tho Mercury, and subsequent visits have only confirmed my earlier imorcssions. Of cur patrons who witnessed the concerts given in 1872, most must have joined the great majority, and it was. with feelings of surprise and pleasure that an elderly gentleman accosted me in Princes street' on Saturday morning, and said, ‘I must shake hands with you. I was present at your opening concerts at. the Masonic Hall in 1872. and have never forgotten the ringing and dhiming of the bells.* Three members of our company are missing. The father died in 1806. Brother George in 1908. and Frank Verten. who was our comedian from 1867 to 1875. and who later on joined the famous Mohawk Minstrels in London, passed away a few years ago. Of the remaining members of the farnilv three still are alive—Robert. William, and myself. After our .present New Zealand campaign wc pass on to the Eii-t and hope to renew our acquaintance w : fn Now Zealand again early in 1925."