TE AWAMUTU. Lecture on Charles Dickens.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1802, 24 January 1884, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU. Lecture on Charles Dickens.

! Thk Rev. H. It. Dewsbury gave another of his popular lecture* on Monday last. The chair was taken by the Rev. Mr Dean, who opened the proceedings with prayer. Piano solo, Miss Lewis; song, "Apart," Miss Mandeno ; bong, "The Tar's Farewell," Mr G. Hunter; song, "Killarney," Mrs Andrew. The chairman then introduced Mr Dewsbury, who was greeted with applause. He began the lecture by referring to John Fosters' biography of the great wiiter. In referring to the old Puritan objection to works of fiction, he contrasted the works of some authors! with those of Dickens, the latter being of an elevating character, and tending to refine the mind, and part of the rational enjoyment of life, while the former should bo eschewed by everyone, especially the young. He reviewed the motives which prompted Dickens to write some of his works, and how by weans of his novels many of the most shameful public evils which existed at the time were redressed. In giving an outline of the great novelist's early life, he referred in most feeling terms to the struggle with poverty which Dickens had to undergo, and how, by his own determination and indomitable will, he placed himself at an early age on the high road to fame and fortune. The lecturer gave extracts from many of Dickens' best novels, convulsing the audience with laughter by his delineations of such characters as .Sam Weller, Micawber, old Scrooge and the waiter, and moving them visibly by his most pathetic rendering of the death bed scenes of Little Nell and Jo. To those who ai'e acquainted with Dickens' best works the lecture was especially interesting, while to everyone who was present the graphic and lorcible style of the lecturer in delineating the various characters, was an intellectual treat, which it is not often their food fortune to enjoy in the Waikato. hiring the lecture, which lasted for an hour and a quarter, the audience frequently applauded. The attendance was good, but owing to the threatening nature of the wef tner many who intended coming from a distance were prevented doing so. During the evening one or two persons had the extremely bad taste to laugh when the description of the death of little Jo was being given. There is nothing mirth inspiring in the incident, and those who can laugh at such a scene have very little nympathy for the sorrows of their fellow creatures. Mr Dewsbury finished his lecture with a eulogiujn on Dickens character, and sat down amid loud and long continued applause. Songs were then rendered by Mrs Andrew and Mr Hunter. A vote of thanks to the lecturer, carried by acclamation, and the National Anthem brought the proceedings I to a close. — (Own Correspondent )

Messrs Hunter and Nolan advertise the postponement of their usual sale at the Junction Yards to Wednesday, January 30th. An application for a slaughterhouse license will be heard at the next meeting of the Piako County Co wU ©R **« *$ fttf «