THE NEW ZEALAND METHODIST ON G.A.S.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 2145, 14 November 1885, Page 3

THE NEW ZEALAND METHODIST ON G.A.S.

Commenting on Mr Sala's visit to this Colony the 'New Zealand Methodist, says:—•

- The visit to the Colony of such a' literary lion as George Augustus Sala has naturally enough provoked a great deal of interest.. That large numbers attend his lectures is not surprising. The man himself has had an unique experience among journalists, and has a string of stories to tell of rare interest. In addition to this he is "run" through the Colony by the redoubtable R. S.S my the, an agent who has reduced the art of puffing to a science. Bright, clever, and entertaining as Mr Sala is, his contributions to the Press during' his visit to the colonies show him to be a thorough man of the world. Those who are laboring for the elevation of the moral tone of society in the colonics receive scant, encourgement from this distinguished journalist; -Concerning Sydney he utters a complaint on the ground of the Puritanical strictness of Sunday observance ; and invoighs against the principles of those who would ' pay due deference to the claims of the day of rest. The frightful prevalence of the habit of profane swearing ii) the colonies is regarded by G.A.S, with great complacency, and leads him to boast of his own ability to swear eight languages. On the proposal made in Victoria and elsewhere to abolish barmaids he pours the utmost scorn, and denounces all who support such a proposal as weakminded goody-goody, enthusiasts. The real worth of such a man, with all'his versatility of gift,, is easily ascertained. We have no doubt that he will line his pockets well as a result of his Southern tour; the gain to the colonies as a result of his visit is more than doubtful. Men of the G.A.S. stamp make excellent strangers.