THEATRE ROYAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6049, 10 December 1897, Page 1

THEATRE ROYAL.

Professor Norton B. Smith gave another exhibition of his powers over unruly horses nt the Theatre Eoyal last evening. The unimals which were treated were more suitable than on the previous evening, and included some really "bad ones." ° Professor Smith first dealt with a most determined half-draught belonging to Mr Hill, of Addington, which had proved an inveterate halter-puller. By the methods used by the Professor the animal soon allowed itself to be tied in the ordinary manner without the slightest attempt to pull back although every means was tried to make it. The next animal treated was a very good-looking black horse, which was very handy with both fore and hind feet, and which for a time kicked violently. Eventually, however, it allowed itself to be handled quietly and driven, and the t>vu_e could bft put on and taken off with ease, though at first it resented this very much, having evidently been previously knocked about the head. A blood mare, which showed a nasty temper, kicking violently at everything, soon alowed herself to be driven quietly between the shafts, her most evident fault being a nervous disposition, which the Professor quickly overcame. A well-bred trotting horse belonging to Mr A. Duncan, of Merivale, was a very gcod subject. Every endeavour to get it to go quietly in harness had previously failed. It exhibited an antipathy to anything touching it, and lashed out in a most determined manner for some little time, but before it had been long in the hands of the Professor it allowed him to drive it round the stage in a light buggy. All the animals were educated to stand the steam whistle, to have bundles of paper and tin cans hung about their hind legs, and to obey the word of command. Professor Smith is undoubtedly the best exponent of the horsetrainers' art who has visited Christchurch, and liis entertainment is well worth a visit. This evening the final performance will take 2>lace at- the Theatre, as to-morrow evening the building will be otherwise occupied.