Mr J.D.Pope's Lecture.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2987, 27 August 1888, Page 2

Mr J.D.Pope's Lecture.

A southern contemporary says: It is a hopeful sign, and significant one, that Now Zealanders are yet destined to play a part in the affairs of the Groat Empire to which we belong, to see the colony represented in all branches of human prowess, whether physical or intellectual. The latest instance of liafve talent wo have to call attention to is Mr Pope's lecture on Eobert Emmett, whose promising life was so sadly and tragically closed almost before the time when most men awake to the promptings of their nobkr impulses. The tale is at once pathetic and moving, and though told in most simple language, it yet contains such dramatic force and effect that it is not easy to resist tho contagion of the emotion ( naturally felt at the recital of heroism and nobleness of nature, however misguided it may happen to be. As Mr Pope delivers his lecture without notes, and it is a long one and ouo on which a groat deal depends an verbal accuracy, he is enabled to throw his soul into the spirit of his deliverance and strenghten end enforce what ho has to say with all the adjuncts of graceful olooution, of which lie is a master, though in somo respects ho departs from the old established lines. But ho evidently does so with reasou, as his rendering is alwayß intelligent and effective. We regret that want of space alone precludes us doing the justice we should like to do to this talented young' Now Zealandor, who boldly essays to tread in tho steps of suoli men as. Forbes and Geo, Augustus Salft, and who can compare favorably j with either, of them on tho lecturer's platform, though he has not yet hobnobbed with the titled notorieties of the period that Mr Forbes or Mr Sala, by virtue of his occupation-the open sesame of the Press—had (lie opportunity-of doing, Mr. Pope jg really a very olever leo.tu.rer, and well worth heaving, and only requires to be a little better known to draw houses just as the Hev. Charles Clark did, The < Speeoh from the Dock,' at the conclusion of the lecture was as capable and effective an elocutionary display as anything; listened to here for a very long time,