LECTURE EXTRAORDINARY. .

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1233, 11 July 1872, Page 2

LECTURE EXTRAORDINARY. .

A Mr Johnston, barrister-aWaw, was announced, says tile Dunedin jEtoentngr Star, to deliver a lecture in the lower hall of the Athenaeum, on the* 21st tilt, on. " Scottish Poetry." We are indebted to one who was present for the [ f 6llb wing account of the proceedings ;—" On the lecturer approaching the door of -■ the hall, the checktaker, not knowing the gentleman who presented himself, refused him admission. On this refusal the lecturer ' riled up,' and asked the checktaker if he considered himself '6fti-3in.; high,' and commenced squaring at him in a manner which threatened serious , injury to ; his physiognomy. Fortunately at this juncture a gentleman acquainted with Mr Johnston appeared on the scene, and introduced him to the astonished checktaker as the lecturer, whereupon, with a profound bow, he was admitted to the hall. : Perhaps the excitement without, had unnerved Mr Johnston, as he certainly appeared in a very confused state when he took up his position before the audience. Mr J. Mercer was, after considerable delay, prevailed upon to take the chair. The lecturer then commenced — " Mr Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen." By one of tb#r audience : "Where are uthe. ladies l?" Jaecturer : "Well, never mind, there was one here some time ago." At this instant a weft-known cabman thrust his head into the. hall, and approaching the lecturer, demanded in a loud voice: "Look here, governor, where's that ere sixpenny fare, from the Water of Leith." 'Considerable amusement was caused by this little interruption,and after cabby had been quieted by promises of payment the next day and BomethingUkdorderhadbeen restored, the lecturer re-commenced : "Mr Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am a barrister" —but from the ominous pause that ensued it became clear that the lecturer was travelling outside the record. Something was evidently wanting,. and the chairman, good-naturedly suggested candles, which were at once brought. The lecturer then proceeded : "Mr Chairman, 'ladies and gentlemen— This is the second time in the colonies or elsewhere I have ventured to appear before a public audience." A voice: "What about the Scotch, poet»."^ The lecturer : " If any one interrupts me, Til knock him (we decline to publish, the expletive here used), no matter how big he is." The audience, whose patience had, it must be confessed, been severely tried, could no longer tolerate this'kind of conduct, and commenced- hissing with a thorough good will, and the meeting became decidedly rowdy in consequence. So great was the uproar that the 1 librarian appeared, and threatened to tun Toff the gas, on which the chairman extinguished the candles and retired from the chair, when the lecturer seizing the' candlesticks indignantly flung them at his retiring form. Fortunately- for him the candlesticks missed . their " aim, but came into contact with a well-known citizen, to the imminent danger of his optics.^ Mr, Johnston, perhaps emboldened by the^ success of his late manoeuvre, informed the audience as a special piece of information that his fighting weight was 13st, and that he would feel flattered if anyone who desired it would ''come on," The meeting dispersed somewhat hastily.