ROLLER SKATING.
Roller skating is older than most folk imagine. Joseph Merlin, a Belgian born in 1735, a clever, inventive fellow, came to London in 1760 and exhibited his novelties at a museum in Spring Gardens, and afterwards in Prince’s street, Hanover square. Having made a pair of skates to run on wheels, he appeared with them at a masked hall given by Mrs Cornleys in Carlisle House, Soho. He was duly invited to display his skill. Having put on the skates he took a violin and began whirling about to' his own music. One thing lie had not studied, however, and that was how to guide himself and to stop quickly, and the result was that before the performance had lasted any time he dashed into an immense mirror valued at £SOO, smashed his fiddle to bits, and seriously injured himself.
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Bibliographic details
Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3537, 30 May 1912, Page 2
Word Count
142ROLLER SKATING. Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3537, 30 May 1912, Page 2
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