LECTURE ON CHARLES DICKENS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1797, 12 January 1884, Page 2

LECTURE ON CHARLES DICKENS.

The Rev. H. R. Dewsbury delivered a lecture in the Public Hall, Cambridge, on Thursday evening last, to a large audience, and one which may be spoken of as thoroughly representative of the district. In cases of entertainments now-a-days, particularly those given in aid of the inevitable "deserving object," it is the object and not the quality of the entertainment that constitutes the attraction for the public mind, and people, as a rule, fo more to favour than to be favoured, f we are to judge of the great satisfaction which the Rev. Mr Dewsbury's lectures on "Sir Walter Scott" and "Tom Hood" afforded, the audience of Thursday night last was brought together more through the conviction that a treat of a high character was in store for them than, perhaps, through any desire to advance the object in aid of which it was given, however deserving that might be. Indeed, it was a treat to which the public had been looking forward for some time past, and we think all who were present will agree that this was as good in the realisation as in the anticipation. The chair was occupied by Mr T. Wells, who, after the rendering of a few musical selections, in a brief speech introduced the lecturer. The lecture, which lasted about an hour and a half, consisted of the narration of many of the most sti iking incidents in the life of the great novelist. Some of the most striking passages in Dickon's best works were recited with much pathos and vividness as the case required, and the whole throughout riveted the attention of those present. The audience testified at intervals by earnest applause their appreciation of the discourse, and entertaining style of the speaker. A more interesting lecture, and one better delivered, could not have been wished for, and those who mißsed being present have every reason to regret their absence. It is exceedingly annoying to experience during a lecture or song the thoughtless practice of persons who strut about the floor of the building as if they themselves constituted the entire audience, and this practice is generally indulged in by persons who should Icnow better. The pro- j ceeds of the entertainment, which was in ! aid of the building fund of the new church, amounted to about £20. Before and after the lecture a few items of vocal and instrumental mus>ic were rendered by Misses Hunter, Arnaboldi, and E. Walker, and Messrs H. W. Moore and Hunter.

The bill of fare at L. R. James' Mercer Refreshment Rooms for the cricketers and the general public on Monday next is published in our advertisement columns. One Shilling. — Francis JT. Shortta' Popular Art Union.— Ten first-class Oil Paintings by celebrated artists. 5000 tickets at Is. The prizes are,magnincent and costly. Country subscribers sending: stamps or otherwise will have tickets by, return post. Enclose stamped envelope for reply.— Fk'ancis J. Shortt, 140, Queen-street, Auckland.— fAnvT.] , Life in the Bcsii— Then and Now. — It is generally supposed that in the bush we have to put up with many discomforts and ~ privations in the shape ot food. Formerly it was so, but now, thanks to T. B. Hill, who has' himself dwelt in the bush, if food does consist chiefly of tinned meats his Colonial Saucb gives to them a most delectable flavour, making' them as well of the plainest food most enjoyable, and instead as hard biscuits and indigestible damper his lu-pnoVEDiCoixwrAi-^BAKiNG Powdkr makes the /vary best bread, scones, cakes, and pastry far '■unerior. and m.ore wholesome than yeast or leivebi'iSoTd'.by all stprekeepers'who ea» ob-