AMERICAN ROLLER RINK.

Northern Advocate, 26 October 1889, Page 3

AMERICAN ROLLER RINK.

The. announcement of the appearance at the above rink of the Kingsley Bros., the champion bicyclists of the world, drew a large and enthusiastic audience on Wednesday evening last, and we can fully endorse what the Auckland press said of these talented artists, that their performance is wonderful, the ease and grace with which their feats are performed is a pleasure to behold, marked by the absence of the usual effort and struggle for balance. Their performance commenced by Mr Frank Kinssley, who gave an exhibition on the bicycle similar to that performed in a circus on a horse, which is known as "La Voltiqeur," in which every feat was faithfully performed in detail from vaulting up £nto side seat to mounting by the horse's tail, this artist apparently defies all laws of gravitation in the many different positions in which he rides. The manner in which he guides the machine, without using his hands, leads one to believe that the machine and the artist are part and parcel of each other, it is immaterial to Mr Frank Kingsley whether he is sitting on the saddle, clinging to the backbone, hanging on one side, crouching on the hind wheel, standing on one leg, balancing on the saddle, kneeling, or standing on his head, the machine keeps rolling on apparently without any effort from the rider ; suffico to say that each feat as it was performed brought down the house. During this exhibition he showed the audience the different ways there were of mounting and dismounting the bicycle, which it would ba well for some of our local riders to emulate. In the second act Mr Fred Kingsley appeared with his brother, then the tricks became more wonderful still, most people find little room enough on a bicycle for one, but the manner in which the brothers climed over one another, stood on each others shoulders and heads, was a marvellous exhibition of nerve balancing and agility, the feat of one brother standing on the others shoulders while he guided the machine around without using his hands showed that these gentlemen were equilibrious above the common standard, they were deservedly recalled- at the end of each act. During the evening Manager Harrison and his pupils gave an acrobatic performance, which was well received. The last item on the programme was the Maypole Dance on skates, which was as much admired as before. On Thursday evening the brothers gave a second exhibition to another crowded bouse, when the special train from Kamo, run by Manager Harrison, brought down a large number of our country friends on this occasion. In addition to the performance given on the first night, the brothers gave a very clever performance on two machinces, their balancing on them while standing still was most extraordinary. This Saturday evening a monster programme has been prepared for their last appearance. The performance will commence with a grand march by our local cycQsts led by the Kingsley Bros. The brothers will perform their wonderful ! chair balancing act, also their single and double riding acts. Manager Harrison will introduce some new acrobatic feats and other noveltiesi On Saturday afternoon a performance will be given at two o'clock for the convenience of- schools and families, when children will be admitted to all parts for 6d, adults 1/.

15th October, 1889. Considering the very inclement weather there Was a great number present, and a most interesting programme was provided. The principal '^rent of the evening being a clever per- • •■mah'de of Professor Durney, who reived great applause for his high stilt performance, and clever trick skating. The following ladies and gentlemen were in fancy costumes :— Miss L. Simson < Flower Queen ; MissU. Sergeant, Maori Girl ; Miss L. McMillan, Indian Princess ; Miss A. Sergeant, Marquese; Miss Abrams, Flower Girl; Miss A. Brooks, Gay School Dame ; Miss F. McMillan, Fisher Girl ; Miss M. Mayall, Baby ; Miss Fraser, Blush Rose ; Miss M. Scutch, Nurse Hospital. Mr J. McLean, Charles Loucifer; Mr J. Simson, Pirate King; Mr Butland, Sailor ; Mr Leslie, Clown; Mr H. Simson, Jockey; Mr Harrop, Polo Player; Maiter Mayall, Sailor. Prizes were awarded to the following ladies and gentlemen : — Miss L. Simson, Flower Queen, best dressed lady skater ; Miss C< Sergeant, Maori Girl, most original dressed lady skater ; Miss M. Mayall, Baby, best lady skater. Mr Butland, Sailor, best gent, skater ; Mr Leslie, Clown, most original dressed skater. During the evening Mr Leslie played some pleasing selections on the pianoforte, accompanied by the Messrs McKay on the violins. The ball commenced about 1 1 o'clock, and was kept up with great spirit until daybreak. The music was supplied by Messrs Leslie and McKay. Besides the ladies in fancy costume there were several who were in evening costumes which gave a most pleasing appearance in the hall, who are too numerous to mention, and so concluded one of the most successful carnival, held here. It is reported that the next carnival will take the form of a masquerade ball on skates, &c. Mr Leslie has staited teaching music and singing, in which he is likely to succeed.