TEMPERANCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2210, 4 June 1891, Page 3

TEMPERANCE.

There was a moderate attendance at the Volunteer Hall, Temuka, last evening to bear the great temperance orator, Mr E. T. Smith. The chair waa occuoied by the Rev. Mr Dellow, and the proceedings were opened with a hymn sung by an efficient choir with Mr Harrison at the harmonium, the Rev. Mr Dellow violin,and Mr Andrews clarionet, The Bev. Mr McKee of Waimate offered up prayer. The chairman then briefly alluded to the recent triumphs of temperance and introduced the lecturer, when there appeared on the platform a tall, spare, remarkable-looking gentleman whom none could pass unnoticed anywhere. He has certainly a very distinguished look, with flowing locks well down over hia neck to his coat collar, and at once giving one the impression that he ia either a poet, an artist, or an orator. He is, without doubt, an elocutionist of - a very high order. Given a better, fuller, and a stronger voice, and he would rank amongst the foremost elocutionists of tha day. After a few introductory remarks, in which he said he hated the drmk traffic with an uncompromising hatred, he said that in three years time he hoped it would be prohibited from end to end of New Zealand, he went on to deliver the late J. B. Gough’s orations “ For the sake of others,” It‘is a magnificent oration, and it was magnificently delivered. In what we might call the colloquial parts Mr Smith was common place enough, speaking too rapidly, and with not mure than sufficient clearness, but when he came to passages requiring passion, pathos, or humor, he was simply grand. He is a splendid mimic, effectively dramatic in his actions, and graceful in bis movements on the stage. He spoke for about an hoar and an half, and there was no one present “.who did not regret when be sat down. This evening he will again appear, when he will deliver another of Gough’s orations, entitled “Safe and right,” and we recommend everyone who desires to hear grand oratory to come and listen to him. He

specially wishes moderate drinkers to attend. At the close one man signed the pledge. The Re?. Mr Dellow sang “ The Life Boat,” and the proceedings were brought to a close in the vsual manner.