December 11 Wednesday – In Wellington N.Z. Sam gave his “At Home” performance at the Opera House. Lord David and Countess Glasgow and party, the Governor of N.Z. were in the audience.
Reviews published: Dec. 11: New Zealand Times; Dec. 12 and Dec. 19: New Zealand Mail.
After the performance Sam went to a supper and celebration by the Wellington Club “given by 1 Mr. Carroll (half-caste) Minister for Maori Affairs” at the Club Hotel. Sam called this the “Modesty Club,” using a label from his past. The event ran until 1:30 a.m. the next morning. The group of nine consisted of six Maoris, an editor, Carlyle G. Smythe, and Mark Twain. Sam learned some Maori words and learned he should have addressed the Governor at his lecture, as per custom [Shillingsburg, “Down Under” 30; At Home, 178; NB 34 TS 52].