CORRESPONDENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 209, 4 September 1899, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

"THE GEORGIA MAGNET."

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—As Mr Abbey thought fit to attack me from the stage of the Opera House on Friday last I would feel obliged to you if you would allow me space to make an explanation of the cause of his abuse. On Wednesday evening I went to see Miss Abbott perform. I had seen in your issue of that date a testimonial signed by men I knew well which I must say filled my mind with wonder. I listened to the description given by Mr Abbey of Miss Abbott's "stupendous"' powers. I was invited by Miss Abbott to go on the platform as one of a committee. I went. In the first trick, in which a, man holds a chair against his chest and Miss Abbott pushes him about the stage, I was asked to place my hand under hers on the chair. I did so, and she again pushed the man about the stage. MiAbbey then asked me if I felt any pressure on my hand. Having an oldfashioned prejudice about _ speaking the truth, I said I most distinctly did feel pressure. Miss Abbott, panting from her exertion, then stated there was pressure that time and said she would repeat her action. Again I was asked, and again I stated I felt pressure. From that moment I was not selected to assist in any of her performances.

I went to the Opera House that evening with an open mind, though I had seen two of Miss Abbott's tricks done. On the Wednesday, evening I Miss Abbott failed to lift the chair I with four or six committee-men on it. She simply capsized the whole lot floundering on the stage. When endeavouring to prevent three commit-tee-men from raising the boys in the circle, eight or ten holding'hands, she also failed, as Mr Hursthouse, Dr. j King and 'another ma.n all lifted their boy easily and comfortably. The thermometer trick is patent to anybody. —I am, etc., T. HOPE LEWIS. 4th September, 1899.