PROFESSOR RAMSAY

Southland Times, Issue 19256, 21 June 1921, Page 4

PROFESSOR RAMSAY

BUTLER’S “EREWHON.” The fourth W.E.A. lecture by professors of Otago University was delivered by Professor Herbert Ramsay, of the Chair of Literature, last evening in St. Paul's Sunday School Hall, when there was a large attendance, the Rev. J. A. Lush taking the chair. Professor Ramsay commenced his discourse by referring to literature in general He said time did not count to any extent, modern literature could not be separated from the old, indeed the old Greek dramatists were in their way as modern as Ibsen. A writer of note to-day, Joseph Conrad, and perhaps the greatest modern writer, could not be accounted modern in a strict sense. Conrad was a Pole who did not speak th® English language'until he was 21 years old, and although an English novelist, he could not .be called English in outlook. Still he was the greatest writer of to-day in Eng-

lish fiction. The lecturer thought that certain writes like Shaw and Galsworthy received mere attention than they deserved as writers by dabbling in politics, which had a direct appeal. Turning to Samuel Butler, he pointed out that the outhor of “Erewhon” cultivated a fine style, and did not pose as a great “I am,” as G. K. Chesterton did, for instance. Books of Butler’s sort would be to some extent caviare to th® general reader, but if studied closely would well repay the reader. “Erewhon” was first published in 1872 and did not create a great stir, but it worked its way by sheer merit into public favour. A sequel “Erewhon Revisited,” in which Butler expressed somewhat modified views, did not com® out until thirty years later. Butler had written other books and these were distinguished by his splendid style. Professor Ramsay read several extracts from “Erewhon,” most of which were decidedly humorous. The court proceedings in the Erewhom country where men were tried for such crimes as consumption, or bereavement were made particularly hilarious by Butler’s skill in carrying out ludicrous idea® to a logical conclusion. In concluding th® Professor said that much in Butler’s creed was of an exhilarating nature, and if he had induced any in the hall to go to the author’s work for themselves his visit would be well repaid. Mr J. S. Baxter moved a vote of thanks and a few humorous remarks by the Rev. Mr Lush called a final word from the Professor, who said he appreciated the hearing he had been given.