HOKITIKA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume xvii, Issue 11, 5 July 1889, Page 13

HOKITIKA.

(From an occasional Correspondent.) Mb. T. L. Buick, who has been justly styled tbe Young New Zealand Orator, is at present on a visit to this part of tbe Coast, and he delivered two of his popular and interesting lectures in the Town Hall on Wednesday and Thursday nights last. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair on the first occasion, wheD Mr. Buick lecture-! on " Home Rule." This was indeed a masterpiece of oratory, combining as it did force, logic, and eloquence to such a degree that it is on all sides admitted that its equal ha* never been heard fiom a Hokitika platform on any previous occasion. Mr, Buick (young as he is) gave expression to some grand ideas and noble sentiments, which he clothed in the most temperate and moderate language, thereby avoiding the slightest chance of giving offence to even those of the most te°nder and delicate sensibilities. This lecture was pronounced by all who heard it to be the most able and eloquent exposition of the Home Kule question that has been delivered in this towo. Nor did Mr Buick fall short of his usual standing when he told the stirring story of the •' Exiles of Erin." In this lecture he displayed his great knowledge of Irish history and bis high conception of all that is good and noble. He pictured in fervid oratory the departing of the Irish Exilep, from the earliest time down lo the present day, and concluded a magnificent address in one of the most touching and eloquent perorations that it has ever been my good fortune t3 listen to It is a great pity that the public of this and other towns do not putronise this young lecturer to a greater extent, for he is certainly worthy of all encouragement. But this want of interest may easily be attributed to the fact tbat the people of the Coast have on two previous occasions been gulled by lecturers who were a good deal worae than many Echoolboys, and Mr. Buick iq reaping the fruits of their failures. lam given to understand tbat Mr. Buick intends visiting Wellington at an early date, when I hope the Irishmen of the Empire City will accord him the cordial welcome which he deserves as I am sure they will only require to hear him once in order to recognise his sterling ability. 6