Concerning Smith.

Observer, Volume X, Issue 603, 24 January 1891, Page 6

Concerning Smith.

Smith (I fancy I've heard the name before) has arrived. This is not an ordinary Smith ; he is neither a Whitesmith, nor a Blacksmith, nor a perfect GoldSmith ; but, to coin a new word, he is a Peersmith, for he is a veritable Saul, head and shoulders above all the Smiffs, Schmidts and Smythes put together. This Smith has forged his way to the highest pinnacle of the Smiths, and in future will be revered and honoured. There is only one thing that equals his prodigious memory and that is his hair, for being of a Puritan turn of mind, he cultivates his hair a la John Wesley. Edward T. Smith has not come to New Zealand only on pleasure bent, but to do an arduous work against the Arch Fiend ; to speak plainly, he is a temperance orator of great ability, and for want of better matter he delivers the world-famed Gough'a orations. It must be admitted that he i 3 a perfect master of the art of elocution, for while listening to him you cannot realise he is using other people's words; his style is so natural that the vast audiences that have heard him are entranced and enraptured. Then transition ia rapid from grave to gay. One second you feel the cold running down your spinal cord, a queer sensation in your throat, and you make a haßiy rush for two silk bandanas to stop the overflow of your weeping orbs ; the next moment you are holding your sides and your mouth is dilated, I was going to say from ear to ear : perhaps I had better say from ' here to yonder.' For nearly an hour and a-half Mr Smith waß never at a loss for a word, and all was given in such graphic style that, apart from being a temperance oration, it was an intellectual treat and a masterpiece of elocution. As Mr Smith's time is short in Auckland, I advise all and sundry to hear him, feeling sure they will not only endorse all I say, but thank me for the hint. In addition to the oration, an excellent choir has been gathered, under Mr Bouskill, and the singing is a very pleaeing feature. Seats in the body of the hall may be obtained free, so it could not well be much cheaper. Dress circle is only a shilling, which is far too cheap. On Friday the prices will be altered, as there is to be something special given in the way of entertainment. Crowded houses at the City Hall, getting more crowded every night, are testimonials of Aucklanders' appreciation of the silvery tones of Smith. The usual order is— 7p.m, crowds at door; 7.15, doors open; 7.30, hall nearly full ; 7.45, hall packed, and policemen turning numbers away. At Friday's meeting Mr Smith will be assisted by a number of local amateurs, and a general entertainment will be provided, including songs, recitations, instrumental music, &o.