MR DENTON’S LECTURE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2794, 8 March 1882, Page 2

MR DENTON’S LECTURE.

This talented lecturer made his farewell bow to the Timaru public last night, before a full house. The subject of the lecture was the ‘‘ Glacial Period and the Age of Man,” and in bis description of that strange time, Mr Denton’s splendid powers and extensive knowledge had full scope. Need we say that neither failed him for one moment ? The lecturer remarked upon the enormous quantities of boulders lying about in some parts and, dismissing the diluvian theory of their presence, he showed that they had been carried along by moving fields of ice, proving that there was intense cold in tbe atmosphere at this time. To account for this, many conflicting theories are afloat, and the lecturer advanced his Own. Prior to the glacial period a warm and nearly tropical climate had prevailed, and in recent times there have been discovered remains that prove incontestably that prior to the glacial period the greater part of Europe had been inhabited by men and beasts both, dwelling in caves. The men were gigantic and powerful, the beasts ferocious and of immense size. Implements of stone had been found, of man’s construction, proving that he carried on continual warfare against the animals for bare existence. A graphic description of the primitive man as he must have been was quite startling to the nerves of those present, and finely exhibited Mr Denton’s skill and dramatic power, and the peroration contained some very telling remarks. We regret Mr Denton’s departure extremely. He has put into pleasing and attractive shape some of the driest of matter, and we venture to say he has kindled a desire to know something of geology, in minds that have never before experienced such a feeling. A number of narrow minded people had tried to make us regard Mr Denton beforehand as impious ’ and indelicate. We can only say we have attended his full course, and have never heard anything savoring of impiety or indelicacy. He took his stand upon the history of the Earth as written in the rocks, and those who listened to him can judge for themselves as to the merits of bis case. We wish Mr Denton success everywhere.