THE BLARE OF THE SHOWMAN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3660, 23 October 1912, Page 8

THE BLARE OF THE SHOWMAN.

AROUND THE SIDE SHOWS

The persistent voice of the showman could be liqard high above all other noises on the ground, and the magnet of the side-show did not fail in the force of its proverbial power. The shows were numerous and varied, and the selection contained much that was novel and unique. From the humble “cheap-jack” and he of the games of skill to the Mexican bravado and the mystically-minded “professor,” all were there, loudly extolling the value of their respective shows. Each vied with the others, ..and the clashmg of the ill-toned gongs and tuneless trumpets with the piercing megaphoned voices of the criers was such as to , create a pandemonium. Color was lent to the scene by the lurid placards and sheets adoring the tents and the occasional appearance of the performers bn an improvised platform served to draw the people round. It was then that the spokesman had Ins chance, and the spontaneous wit and ready repartee of the showmen was delightful to hear. Though not People’s Day, yesterday was a profitable one for the showmen, the tents taking in and emptying out their crowds at a rapid rate. The irrepressible strong men were present, and more numerous than ever the display of husky arms and frames having its fair share of patronage. Mysticism was served out with ease from one tent, the power of second sight being brought to bear, and in another a man freed himself from locksk and chains and shackles. /Over one door was the inscription “the human death,” and manv answered the call of the wend words of welcome. ' The side-shows, on the whole, are of a meritorious character, and will doubtless provide entertainment and amusement for large numbers of people to-day.