THE “ROYAL RECITER.”

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4488, 7 August 1875, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE “ROYAL RECITER.”

(From tho Tasmanian Tribune.) _ Descending to us from a period in which one of the greatest masters of English style lived, the line, “ Slow rises worth by poverty oppressed,” receives daily confirmation in the present clay. Genius, assisted by scholarly attainments, has ever had to win its way, but its possessor grapples with difficulties, struggling on till the dark clouds that obscure the brightness of his genius flit away, before the dawning of conviction on the minds of the men who have at last to acknowledge tho superiority of their fellow-man. It is not often such a genius rises up in a small city like this, but it has been generally known throughout this town for some weeks past that such a gentleman does exist, and move about our city, and it is known also that his claim to be considered amongst the most original poets, and the most finished reciters of our clay has never boon fairly recognised. Endowed with wonderful perseverance in tho attainment of an object, precise and accurate in his judgment, keen as a critic, and having a great reverence for tho works of England’s great poet, Mr. Richard Groves stands out facile prtneeps of the class which he represents. AVith a desire, which is worthy of the highest commendation and support, Mr. Groves, in the hours which he does not devote to “ soup making,” desires to improve the “ intellect” of his fellow-man, and for that purpose he some time ago applied for the use of tho Town Hall, but with an utter want of discrimination tho members of the City Council refused to lot it to Mr. Groves, and one gentleman went so far as to advise that a straight jacket be sent to the applicant. Mr. Groves, having heard that tho Council had repented of their action, and that they were ready to support him, addressed the following respectfully and magniloquently worded letter to them yesterday:—“To His AVorshipful the Mayor and Aldermen—Gentlemen: Having heard that you unanimously regret the action you took in refusing mo the Town Hall for the purpose of giving my pious address to the inhabitants of this lovely island, an island in which my family was born—an island, the struggling inhabitants of which I, by my mighty eloquence, have tried to raise from the depth of sin to tho pedestal of honor and goodness, I now make a second appeal to you. I have personally conversed with some of the members of your august body, who now seo iu mo—Richard Groves, Tasmania’s Royal Reciter, a genius of a high order and an understanding which is not given to ordinary mortals. My brother in religion, who spoke against me on the last occasion, promised to support mo to-day, and trusting that the luminosity of heaven may shine down brightly on the darkened souls of those who might object to my application, I am, gentlemen, Richard Groves, Tasmania’s Royal Reciter.” This time tho Council treated the applicant more courteously, and decided that his letter be acknowledged. Tims it will be seen that Mr. Groves by slow degrees is gaining the esteem of the Council. His worth is rising, though it may be slowly, yet it is surely. He has gained something by his last letter ; one more application, and the hall will be granted. The “ noble flag ” of his country is to be pleaded for. The young Tasmanians are waiting to “rally round it.” Richard, persevere and you will succeed.