MR. H. G. WELLS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 145, 15 March 1939, Page 11

MR. H. G. WELLS

May Lecture In Dominion Next Year The famous author, Mr. H. G. Wells, is favourably disposed toward a lecture tour of New Zealand during the centennial year, according to Mr. D. O’Connor, who arrived at Wellington bv the Wanganella yesterday after managing Mr. Wells’s lectures in Australia. Before his visit to Australia, Mr. Wells had not lectured before large audiences for years, and, said Mr. O’Connor, “he was as nervous and temperamental as a priuta donna. “You have to remember all the time that he is over 70, and has a devil of a temper,’’ Mr. O’Connor added. But to do him justice lie soon gets over and is always charming in his apologies. In fact, he tells you quite frankly that'he has a temper, so you know what, is coming, and are prepared for it. He had only 'been used to talking to small select audiences or over the radio at Home, $o it was small wonder he was affected when he had to face the flood. But he was soon on terms with his audience. He has a rather small, light voice, so we had to have amplifiers put in all round the hall. “He speaks quickly and marshals his arguments compactly. One has to keep mentally alert to take in all he says; but. oh the other hand, he is still young in mind, still a redundantly fresh thinker, and still retains a cheerful and optimistic outlook on life. Even when in a paddy- he will flash back amazing answers to questions. To listen to him is a menial exercise, for he has the readiest mind 1 have ever encountered. It was his success, in Sydney that made hint think kindly of a tour of New Zealand. Up till then he was not so keen, but when his lectures ended in cheers, and the Huppers bung round to get ills autograph lie became converted to the idea, i don’t know yet whether it will come off, but New Zealand is in for a treat if H. G. Wells comes along next year.

"I think the thing of which. 1 am most proud in connexion with H. G. Wells,” said Mr. O’Connor, “is that I reconciled him and Mr. W. M. Hughes, who fell out on a notable occasion years ago. I was instrumental in getting Mr. Hughes to take the chair at the Sydney Town Hall, and now, I irni pleased to say, they are excellent friends.”