PROFESSOR W. A. DAVIS RE-VISITS AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VI, Issue 310, 2 July 1896, Page 7

PROFESSOR W. A. DAVIS RE-VISITS AUCKLAND.

“ What’s in a name” has often been asked, but the announcement that Professor Davis would commence a third season in Auckland last Thursday was sufficient to fill the house on that and following evenings. The public had not forgotten that Professor and Madame Davis are first-class entertainers, and their present season has decidedly brought them many more supporters, who all show their appreciation of high-class talent by unbounded applause—the roars of laughter and spontaneous applause has fairly made the building shake. The Professor, in introducing himself each evening, commences his entertainment with a few card tricks, in which he is very neat and thoroughly deceives the eyes of his attentive audience, and, by the introduction of new tricks each evening, the Professor keeps up the interest for those who attend again and again in the vain hope of finding out “how it is done.” The exposure of the so-called spirit writing on slates and paper enclosed in envelopes, after most minute examination, makes one think that there must be something more than the mere trickery which the Professor announces as being the only way he produces the marvellous results. With the supposed assistance of a little stirring music, it is astonishing how very quick and neat a number of handkerchiefs, tied in a string by members of the audience, can be seperated. A “ Light Cabinet Seance,” during which the Professor is bound tightly hand and foot, puzzles everyone. Various different methods of tying have been tried, but one and all have the same effect. Ventriloquism is by no means a small item in the lengthened programme and the various songs, jokes, and mimicry introduced by Professor Davis’ “ funny folks” delight the audience nightly, and brings forth peals of sidesplitting laughter. Madame Davis, in her Rosicrucian Psychomancy, has had some very severe tests during the season. She exhibits wonderful powers as a mind reader. Every night she gives correctly the answers, and then states questions,most of which are merely thought of by £he spectators ; besides, questions are answered on so many subjects that it leaves the audience in a state of wonder and bewilderment. Professor Davis cannot “ give up the ghost,” and every night, after most intricate search and examination by a committee selected by the audience, the now famous “ spooks,” Cissie, Geordie, and Josephine, appear and walk out on the open stage. This marvellous exposure of spiritualism is almost indescricable, and must be witnessed to thoroughly appreciate the mystery. After finishing the Auckland season the Professor and his wife will visit all the country townships in the Auckland province. Where ever he goes it will repay anyone travelling miles to see him, his whole entertainment being amusing, instructive, mystifying, and in every way most enjoyable.

The German Two Thousand Guineas, run on May 11th, was won by Dahlmann, ridden by E. Martin; Sir Blaso (Barker) was second, and Wild Baron Huxtable) third. The winner was trained by John Daley, who rode Hermit, the winner of the Epsom Derby in 1867.