Cirrus@Austlit

'Fair Play' writes to concur with Buggins's assessment of J. Sheridan Moore's lecture on the current exhibition at the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts. 'Fair Play' notes that 'it is not the first time ... that Mr. S. Moore has received a not over flattering testimonial to the vast calibre, or presumed calibre, of his literary worth' and suggests that Moore's 'frantic exception' to Buggins's comments 'has certainly not elevated [him] in the public estimation, nor will he persuade the public to regard him in any other light than as a crotchetty, egotistical, shadowy "ideal" of a would-be public literary character.'

Buggins replies to J. Sheridan Moore's explanation of his (Moore's) 'awkward' lecture delivery manner. Buggins reasserts his view that Moore was 'out of his depth' in the subject matter and goes on to provide a (not very flattering) overview of Moore's literary career.

Buggins then turns his attention to the theatre. He despairs at the low attendances at the Prince of Wales Opera House and is 'surprised that Messrs Dind and Hoskins have kept the theatre open so long'. Buggins hopes that with the Christmas season approaching, 'the antics of Clown and Pantaloon, in Pantomime may prove more remunerative than legitimate business has hitherto done'.

Buggins praises the 'clever little actress' Kate Corcoran; comments on the production of John Howard Payne's Clari; or, The Maid of Milan and of La Sonnambula; and notes the performances of Madame Anna Bishop at the Masonic Hall.