A DICKENS RECITAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13654, 24 July 1908, Page 6

A DICKENS RECITAL.

An entertainment of an unusual kind, in suite of untoward weather attracted a, large audience to the Congregational Church last night, and those patient were given an excellent treat. 'Hie principal items were dramatic recitals from the works of Charles Dickens by the Rev. A. E. Hunt, who was givcti breathing time by musical friends. The piognm«me was opened by an instrumental trio by .Miss L. L. Steward (piano), Messrs Ellis Wood ('cello), and J. \V. Wood (violin). JmeivaJii were lilled by songs by Mrs Denny and Mr Chapman, and a (.clio solo Ijy ilr Ellis Wood, and each was well received.

Mr Hunt's first recital was " Walter Gay's return," liout "JJombey and'-Sou," coupled with "Mr Micawbcr gives Advice" from David Copperfield. Old Captain Cuttle's ''laboured explanation to Mass Dombey that "our Wally" had been saved lrom the wreck of the sh ; p he sailed in, was capitally recited, and was listened to with a ' rapt'attention that produced a perfect silence, among the "audience. Tho presentation of Mr Wilkins Micawbcr Mas a great contrast, and elicited frequent audible smiles, and a, round of applause at the- close. " The Downfall of Ralph Nickleby,". the avaricious and spiteful old uncle of Nicholas JSickluby, supplied another distinct variety, in the philanthropic address of Mr Cheeryble to the old man, and the reply of the defiant old curmudgeon. The denoueument of the interview, the revelation to Ralph Nickleby that the lad .Sniike, whom he had hounded to death, was his own sou, was finely done, and the old mau's subsequent reverie was stall more dramatically powerful. "The -Speech of Sergeant . Bu/.fuz," in tho famous trial of " Bardi'H versus Pickwick," showed Mr Hunt as the -.ible humorist, and -the item was most heartily applauded, while ripples of laugh ter formed' accompaniment to the learned Sergeant's most extravagant exaggerations. " The Expiation of Sydnev Carl on," the splendid denouement of the "Tale of Two Cities," gave Mr Hunt opportunity for the exhibition of many varieties of the art of elocution. Tho foundation ol the story was brietly told, then the- recital of the arrangement made by Carton for the salvation of his friend fruui the guillotine, and the alternation of narrative and dialogue was well, managed. The beautiful passage between Carton xind the little seuipstrc&s on their way 1o the place of execution Mas recited so as to bring out. its pathos and the glory of the man's uelf sacrifice. The horror of that time-poli-tical madness was brought out, if one paused to think of it by the sang froid of the knitting women who coolly and indifferently checked off the tale of falling beads.

Mr R. Griffiths proposed a vote of thanks to the friends who had assisted

Mr Hunt in filling the evening'* pro : gramme; as- for Mr Hunt's'share in it it Wiiu impossible to do it justice. But. it had been a good introduction to Dickens for those not y<.-t acquainted with ■ him, and for those who were, the* recitals must have brought them, into closer touch with the author. The votes were passed by acclamation, and Mr Hunt added his t'hanks to his assistants.