The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-06-25 00:00:00

DINNER TO MR. CHARLES MATHEWS
IN AUSTRALIA.
(From the Australasian, Awn 2.)

On Monday evening Mr. Charles J. Mathews,
comedian, was entertained by the Yorick Club, at a
dinner, given to celebrate his arrival in Australia.
The affair took place at Scott's Hotel, the premises of
the club not aff rding the requisite accommodation.
Nearly 70 members were present, and a Lirge number
were prevented from attending by the nuessity which
postponed the affair from Saturday to Monday. Toe
chair was taken by Mr. G. W. Ilusden, one of the
trustees, who, after the usual loyal toasts, proposed
the health of the guest of the evening, which was re-
ceived with enthusiasm.
_ _ . _ _ _ .

Mr. Charles J. Mathews rose to respond amid a
storm of cheering, which lasted for several moments,
when a fresh burst of hurrahs made the room ring
again. He said

Gentlemen, to say that I am if ittered by the compliment
that I have been paid to-night, and by the many civil things
that your president has lavished upon me, would but very
If i xpress my gratification at this gathering. I expected to
meet with kindness and politeness, but I was not prepared
for the truly hearty and friendly reception that has greeted
me Ido not know-1 cannot fmcy that lamin a strange
land (cheers), or that I am being received by strangers
(no, no:. Everything seems as familiar as ill had been here
all my life, and every one treats rue aa ill hail known them
from childhood (vehement cries of "So you have," and
cheers). From the moment !set foot on shore and walked up
Collins-street, I seemed to be instantly recognised as readily
suit I had been in Liverpool or Manchester, and every shop-
keeper welcomed me as though I had been only parted from
him last week. This is what gladdens a man's heart—
perhaps tickles his Canoe—but makes him feel at home at
once (great cheering). It makes a man ask why it is that
this meeting has been put off so long, how it is that I have
neglected such friends, who have expected me so many years,
and are so glad to see me at last? idlest-a). lain to blame, I
acknowledge that frankly, and I can only say that I will
never do so eny more (laughter) As to the voyage that I
looked forward to with so much horror—why, it was non-
sense (laughter and cheering). What I sarcastically called
before parting a mere pleasure trip hae turned out to be such
In one indeed. What with music, dancing, private
theatricals, glorious weather, and no letters to answer
(laughter), what could a mall desire more? Since my
arrival in Melbourne my chief labour has been shaking
hands and listening to pleasant things said by pleasant
people. That I find no hard task. Of course I had to
respond tr the usual questions—. Are you not surprised at
Melbourne ?" 'llow do you like our town I"" Have you
seen our Town-hall, our Parliament Ilouses—and our gaol?"
(much laughter). Of course these were necessities that I
had to comply with, and followed by the usual remarks and
encomfume upon Sydney Harbour, and winding up with
"Only to think Mary five years ago the white man bad
not set his toot here r (laughter and cheers). Of course
I bad to confess that I was not surprised. It was what
I expected. I knew it all beforehand. Why. Mel-
bourne is as well known and appreciated in London as
London Is In Melbourne (hear, hear). No, I was not sur-
prised. After all, 35 years is a good long time you know.
With plenty of money a great deal can be done in 35 years.
I wee myself fully developed long before I wan 36 laughter
for some time,. Nobody was surprised at me (renewed
laughter). When Melbourne gets to be my age, think what
it will he then daughter and cheers). That will he something
worth witnessing. I only hope I shall be here to see
It (cheers, and cries of "We hope so too") In the mean-
time I intend to avail myself of all the enjoy ments that offer.
I hope in return to merit the hospitality and kindness I
have received, and if in getting Into work I only afford you
the entertainment you expect, why the gratin cation will be
mutual (cheers:. Yon have taken me on faith to-night (en-
thuslastm cries of "We know you of old," and cheers) It
shall go hard, indeed, ill do not come up to your expecta-
tions. I will do nip beat, and no man can do more. As to
Mr. Ruseleu'a calling me by my Catlettan name, that Is the
greatest compliment that can be conferred upon me. I never
felt more pleaged thati when coining from the opera the
other night, the mob called out Bravo, Charley !" (cheers).
(hantlemen, I will not detain you any longer. I thank you
very sincerely. and I beg to propose "Prosperity to the
Vorick Club," (long and repeated cheering).