AustLit

Buggins comments on the use of opera glasses before proceeding to review and discuss the Royal Victoria Theatre's production of John Augustin Daly's Under the Gaslight.

Buggins concludes his thoughts on the play thus:

'I believe a Mr. Daly claims to be the author of Under the Gaslight, it should be adapter – not author. In a Christmas work entitled 'Fireflash', (written by Mr. Garnet Walch) at page 34 I read the following: – "Neither poison, the knife, nor the pistol, was this murderous weapon. He had led his half stupefied [sic] victim to within twenty yards of the railway. There was no embankment hereabouts; it was all level ground. In five minutes the remorseless wretch had dragged him over the rough ballast and had placed him with his head across the nearest rail. The down express would pass over that spot in ten minutes, and there would be no such person as Alice Marshall in existence to come between him and his coveted prize." I think the Dramatist has borrowed a good idea from a young and promising colonial author and failed to acknowledge the obligation.'

It should be noted that Daly's play was first produced in New York on 12 August 1867; Walch's 'Fireflash' probably went to press in December 1867.

The Freeman's Journal reproduces a column from the Tamworth Examiner that comments on plans by the Martin government to prosecute Freeman's for not being properly registered with the Supreme Court. (See 'The Freeman's Journal and the Martin Government' for further background.)

An advertisement advising that the proprietors of the Freeman's Journal have entered into a 'job printing business' and 'are now prepared to execute orders'.

A list of suburban, country and inter-colonial agents for the Freeman's Journal.

An advertisement advising that Freeman's Journal 'is filed and may be seen, free of charge, at Holloway's, 533, Oxford-street, W. C., (late of 224, Strand) London, where advertisements and subscriptions may be received'.

An advertisement, for Greville and Company, for the sale of various types of paper, pens, pencils, slates, ledgers and other stationery items.

An advertisement advising that Greville and Company are the 'authorised Sydney agents of all the leading provincial journals of New South Wales' and are able 'to offer terms for the insertion of advertisements which can be done by none but a recognised agent'.

An advertisement for Greville and Company, agents for Messers Harrild and Sons, London, advertising the sale of various items of printing machinery and equipment.