MR. HELLER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 730, 24 September 1870, Page 2

MR. HELLER.

♦ There wag a full house for Mr Heller's benefit last night, the reserved chairs being particularly crowded. Thursday's programme was repeated, but without the aid of the customary curtains, or indeed any accessories beyond two small tables with uncovered legs. A greater proof of Mr Heller's perfect mastery over the art of legerdemain could not have been given, for none of the tricks in the programme suffered in rapidity of execution or completeness of illusion, all being done with the same perfection as when the full complement of stage accessories was used. We would again remark that to-night will be Mr Heller's last appearance in Christchurch. The mid-day performance to-day was witnessed with great delight by the children, for whom it was specially designed. Mr Heller arranged his entertainment to suit his youthful audience with considerable tact, and sent them away much impressed with the wonders they had seen. The great attraction for the children was the Punch and Judy show. This was presented to them in the orthodox manner, and with all the verve that we have witnessed in its representation in England. We confess to a sneaking kindness for a Punch and Judy show. We have stood among the crowd of nursemaids and children at its exhibition in a quiet square in London, and we have enjoyed it as much, contributed our penny, and been inclined to follow the faded green baize to its next exhibition, and laugh again. This afternoon the first squeak of Punch was the signal for attention by both youngsters and oldsters, for all were on the alert to watch the greatest serio- comic drama extant. It is marvellous to note the ascendancy which that comical dog Punch obtains over his audience. He if

a social and domestic tyrant of the first water — an autocrat of the first degree, relying on physical force and no moral responsibility. Punch believes that action is necessary to the maintenance of his authority, and he takes it by knocking his opponent down. There is no "lingering doubt;" the whack follows the situation a3 promptly as it arises. Banging the policeman and the other myrmidons of the law is relished immensely by the crowd, but to thrash Judy and pitch his infant into the street is a measure of atrocity which none other than a Punch could be guilty of without execration. But these little ebullitions are accepted as a matter of course, and beyond a slight tinge of horror on the faces of the children, their elders didn't seem to mind it. The fact is that Punch is the great national embodiment of humour to the people, and the tragic element has no dread for them — it is the setting of the comic picture.