PADDY'S MARKET.

Colonist, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4291, 5 November 1885, Page 3

PADDY'S MARKET.

Those who only are acquainted with the Melbourne Paddy's Market can form not the slightest conception of the place which bears a similar name in bydney. Sydney Paddy's Market / on a Saturday night Ist a sight which, once seen, can neveir be forgotten. Leaving the fighting out of the question, it is Donnybrook rehabilitated. An Irish bard tells us that the historical fair adjacent to the capital of Green Isle was the favorite resorfe poor painters, poor poets, poor news-' men, and knaves. Asomewhatr nilar remark will apply to Sy<* Paddy's Market. I witnessed there the strangest and jnotliest crowd of human beings it has over been my lot to ome across, I can't speak authoritatively as to the presence of any poor painters and poets, but there can be no two questions as to the newsmen and knaves. There were exhibitions of all descriptions, from the large tents where spangles and sawdust -ruled supreme, to timehonored Punch and Judy shows. Then there were shooting galleries, '■ weighing machines, merry-go-rounds, wheels of fortune, and other amusements too numerous to mention. The incessant shouting and braying of brass trumpets, and beating of drums produced a most discordant effect. A friend who acted as my guide warned me to button up my coat, so that my watch chain might not slip away in the crush. This, I learned afterwards, was a very timely admonition, as there are always a number of light fingered gentry on a Saturday night. In Paddy's Market may be met several of the wretched waifs and strays of Sydney, and • the man of generous proclivities has there ample opportunities for the display of benevolence. The lame and blind, the deaf and miite, are there to be seen with outstretched hands soliciting alms. Barefooted little boys and girls selling papers, and song books, also arrest your attention. Then tihere is also to be observed the übiquitous vagabond, who is to be met with; in all large towns, and who is a thorough citizen of the world. I refer to that nondescript character immortalised in verse:— •* The things I've done 'neatk moon and stars Have got me into messes;; I've seen the sky through prison bars, I've torn up prison dresses; But out again I come, and show My face, nor care a stiver; For trades are brisk and trades are slow, - But mine goes on for ever.