RICKARDS’ COMPANY.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 938, 10 July 1903, Page 2

RICKARDS’ COMPANY.

MONDAY AND TUESDAY NEXT.

’ On Monday and Tuesday next Mr Harry Rickards will introduce to Gisborne : one of the fiuest of his Vaudeville companies seen in New Zealand. Every turn is full of merit, aud is sure to please the Gis- : borne playgoers. Au excellent act is that given by the “ Great Clive.” An Auckland exchange says : —The audience was delighted with ,the “ Great Clive,” his conjuring acts, introducing with a few of the familiar sleight-of-hanci tricks with cards and other small articles, drifted on to more elaborate achievements, and finally culminated in an act which, for beautiful finish and unexpected effect, was a masterpiece. The trick was performed with an ordinary small table lamp, which was evidently a genuine article. Mr Clive placed this on a small table, and over this he hold a large handkerchief, through a small hole in which the lamp chimney protruded. Passing a taper down through shifted it with the table to the front of the stage. While the audience was wondering what was going to happen next, Mr Clive, stepping back, suddenly, presented a pistol and fired. The table shivered, the handkerchief collapsed, and it became evident that there was no lamp there. Did it lie shattered to fragments beneath the handkerchief ? It looked suspiciously like wanton destruction of a good, useful table lamp, costing probably haif-a-crown. But Mr Clive did not give time for the natural feeling of resentment at such extravagance to take shape. Pointing tne pistol back over his shoulder, he fired again, and there, shining brightly through a small wooden frame at the back of. the stage appeared our friend the lamp, none ■ he worse for his adventures.