THE MAN ABOUT TOWN NO. XXVII.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 502, 19 August 1871, Page 2

THE MAN ABOUT TOWN NO. XXVII.

Mb. XXXI. I oesebve that Monsieur Morel, the celebrated surgeon chiropodist, has gone to tlie Thames and to Coromandel, where no doubt he will have as successful a season as he has had in Auckland, to which place he assures his friends he shall return in a few days. I know a number of these friends who are perfectly indifferent about his fate, and who complain bitterly that he is nothing more nor less than a quack of the first water, who takes their money and does them more harm than good. I at least know more tlian one who have paid pretty freely through, the nose, and are not one whit better for it.

There is no doubb that the public is a moat confidingly gullible public, and that nothing is easier than to take it in. lam told that the other eveuing a certain ladyrider at the circus at the Thames was unable to appear in consequence of having sprained her ankle ; but as the calls were loud and frequent, and as the management did not want to offend their numerous patrons, Mr. Hurry donned a lady's apparel, whitened his moustache, and with a kind of French drapery around his head, went through a most graceful performance, to the intense delight of the audience, who all believed they were witnessing the feats of Madml. Kosiere. And such is life, dear boys. The natives who held a great meeting at Pnrawai a week or two ago, at which they growled at the Government, and requested John Williamson, Esq., M.H.R., to lay their grievances before Parliament, must be somewhat chagrined to find that their champion is precluded from opening his mouth. But we Lust John will get in again, for he is a friend of (ho people's, and staunch to the back-bone. A good many of his old opponents are now bitterly regretting that ho was not re-elected Superintendent.

There has been so much talk about an opposition gas company in Auckland lately, that it is surprising one has not been started. I see the}' have gone in for one at the Thames, and if there is no signs of another company in Auckland by the time it is in full working order, J shall be fully prepared to bring in larpo supplies via ray patent pneumatic tube, at less than cost price. As to the nonsense hiked at some of tho meetings of the public bodii'S, about burning candles and oil instead of gas in the strouls and tJioroußhfnros, why that's ail rubbish Why don't some of these folks club together, and stnrt a new company, if its such a paying concern ? That is what puzzles me.

We are certainly well off for entertain ments in this city, if for nothing else What with nigger bands, the lcgilimali drama, and the illegitimate, we cannot ii

ali conscience complain of a lack of variety; and then there is the wonderful "sea dog," which is advertised to be seen this afternoon and evening at the circus. I understand that the animal is a capital rider, can vault like " winkin'," and goes through tho flying trapeze performance in a most extraordinary manner. Indeed, this little wonder must be seen to be

appreciated. I liutc seen it. and unanimously pronounce it to bo an " anioosin' little cuss." It will make its first, bow as mentioned above under the especial patronage of Dick. As the papers say, " there will no doubt be a crowded house "

So my friend Bird hns been going on at a great pace in Wellington. It appear.that the Yorkshire lad took the people in there properly, or rather, with some dummy races. And he intended that the prizes should be dummies too, but one of the winners couldn't sec it in that light, and accordingly sued the "old boy" for £4,; and, although Birdie defended the action, on the ground that the plaintiff could not recover, as the whole thing was a "swindle," the Courl gave judgment against him. But as it is said he made £100 by the sports he could well afford to pay that small amount. Oh ! my dear Yorknhire friend, why will you " sell " the public, whose faith in thy drooping mug 'tis hard to shake ? Is a farce usually intended to be serious or comic ? The reason I ask is because 1 often see the words " laughable farce" in the theatrical advertisements, and Dick, who sometimes goes to the theatre with the editor's pass, says he thinks that, as « rule, this is a mistake, that it should be " serious farce " instead of " laughable farce." Therefore I ask, for I am ignorant upon such subjects, are farces usually intended to be serious or laughable ? I pnuse for a reply. I see that Mr, Fillips, the Mayor, has become penitent and filled with remorse over ,the Maori market job. Upon his motion was this place of gathering for our dusky brethren ruthlessly swept away. But, w.ith a contrite heart, Mr. F., on Tuesday tabled a motion asking that another market might be built up for them. He said he was deeply sensible of the injustice he had done the native race, the more so as he now learned from Mrs. F. that fish and other vegetables were much dearer than formerly. For these and other reasons he moved the motion standing in his name. The entire Board looked serious, not a single member would second the motion, which consequently fell to the ground.

From a conversation I had last erening with my friend Mr. Thirst, head of the Executive, I learn that the feed given by him and his colleagues to the Thames members, was a grand success, but I have not space in my to-day's column to go fully into the matter, although it is one filled with interest.

I had intended to havo spoken of Dick's matrimonial prospects, but find I hare again taken up so much space that I must defer it till my next article.

Nathaniel Seesating.