AN EVENING WITH TENNYSON.

Gisborne Times, Volume XII, Issue 1073, 15 December 1903, Page 3

AN EVENING WITH TENNYSON.

There was a large audience at Holy Trinity Schoolroom last evening in connection with the first public appearance of the Young Ladies’ Beading Union. Bov. B, F. Bothwell presided, and expressed his ploasuro in doing so. It had been said that of making of books there was no ond, and if this was an indication of supply and demand it might indicate a reading public. But great readers must bo readers of groat thoughts, and this could not bo claimed for those who spent their time in the perusal of sensational literature. Tennyson as a poet was deeply religious, and

could not fail to influence beneficially all who came into sympathetic touch with his exalted mind. People were so constituted that they desired company, and dreaded nothing more than the prospect of perpetual solitude ; yet there were times when the most desirable company became a bore, though politeness forbade such foolings beiug expressed. The advantage of. seeking ther ’companionship of great authors was one could "shut them up ” at will without giving offence. Tho existence of a Beading Union wus the inspiration of a larger hope than thoy had been able to cherish for posterity. Mr DeLautour said he could not claim to havo mado a study of Tennyson, nor indeed of any of the poets. His mind had been in tho habit of following men of action rather than men of contemplation.

Mr DeLautour then dwelt at length on Tennyson’s friends, his contemporaries at college, tho sweetness and beauty combined with the strength of his poetry. Ho was a Christian poet, though ho seemed to shrink from oxpressing it in a formal creed. Tho address was so full that it is almost impossible to condenso it, and was delivered in Mr DeLautour’a well-known choico languugo and felicitous manner. The audience listened with close attention

and manifest pleasure. During tho ovoning songs wore contributed by Miss Chrystal (who' delighted tho audience with two horns), and Messrs Dalrymplc, Hunter, and Bloore. Mr E, Chrisp played a pianoforte solo. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Hooper.