October 23rd, 1868. THE PRESIDENT OF THE PENNY READINGS SOCIETY.

Southland Times, Issue 1051, 4 November 1868, Page 2

October 23rd, 1868. THE PRESIDENT OF THE PENNY READINGS SOCIETY.

Sib— After the very extraordinary and unwarrantable liberties taken with my prologue by Mr Irvine on the occasion of thelastentertainment, I cannot with a due regard to self respect, and to my literary character, continue to act as a member of the Managing Committee of the Penny Reading's Society. This is the first time any literary production ot mine, either in prose or verse, was tampered with in its passage from my study to the press, and it is also the first time I have met with a member of an association with whom 1 could not cordially co-operate. From the expression of public opinion and of performers of both seXes, I have* no hesitation in asserting that on Mr Irvine's connection or disconnection with the Fenny Readings depends their prosperity or downfall at no very distant period. I was appointed Treasurer by the General Committee and to that— and not to the Managing Committee — shall I tender my resignation. For the success of the Penny Readings — the sooner an appeal is made to the public the better — so that a committee may be appointed which would be actuated by liberality of sentiment and characterised by . gentlemanlike deportment, in which a republic of letters would be set dp, and not a self-glorifying autocracy withering and blighting under its upas shade the life of a movement which has taken a strong hold on the mind of the community, and which if well directed, might be productive of the most beneficial results.— l am, sir, your's respectfully, ; John G-. Smith.