“THAUMA.”

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 21, 30 July 1887, Page 2

“THAUMA.”

The above remarkable illusion will be shown to-day next door to Mr Parnell’s shop, Gladstone road. As to what it really is and how thousands of people have been mystified by it we are not going to say. Our reporter investigated “ Thau ma ” last- night with the aid of two Spiritualists, Dr. Lynn's ghost, and three local authorities on ladies’ dresses. The whole lot, editor, spiritualists, and all, were bamfoozled completely, and acknowledged that for a really capital mystery the Vanishing Lady, Vogel’s Finance, and the Circassian Youth’s white mop, are completely surpassed. “ T hauma ” has, vulgarly speak ing, “ knocked ” the good folks in Auckland, and we prophesy a big success for the lady here. The Auckland Star says :—“ The * Thauma ’ illusion is one of the best things of the kind we have ever seen. Entering the room, the spectator sees before him the upper portion of a woman’s body on a swing. ‘lt’s done by mirrow,’ says a smart one. Wrong again, sonny, for the showman passes a sword immediately under the swing, and then invites the young lady to further demonstrate her apparent nether limblessness. This she at once does by passing a fan immediately beneath the swing and showing that she has no legs where her legs ought to be. Next she seizes the ropes of the swing, raises herself, and the showman removes the board, aud the spectacle is presented of the legless woman suspended by her arms, distant not three feet from you. As an illusion it is perfect, and will cause an immense amount of speculation as to * how it is done.’ ”