WILD WEST SHOW

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 2, 7 March 1947, Page 5

WILD WEST SHOW

RECORD ATTENDANCES THRILLING FINAL PERFORMANCES Approximately 2000 persons attended the final performance of Lance Skiiihorpe’s Wild West Show, in Whakatane last Wednesday evening, and the happy atmosphere which this friendly travelling company infuses in all its entertainments was again a prominent feature. The show itself was full of in- - terest and tense with thrilling moments as bucking bronchos took the ring and gave really magnificent displays. The show opened with a buck-rid-ing display by George Ausling on the fine looking outlaw Cream-of-the-Mountain. The crowd was enthusiastic from the start and enjoyed every turn, from the clowning to the blind-fold boxing turn put on by a half dozen local boys. Ping-Pong the popular mule, gave a wonderful exhibition of alternate patience and sagacity. He was ridden by dozens of young hopefuls, all without success, though he showed dainty taste for his only lady rider. Lance Skuthorpe himself gave a fine display of whip-cracking in which he snapped pieces of paper in half when held between the fingers of a group of badly-scared boys. In roping and lassooing he showed himself the adept for which all Australia knows and hails him. Perhaps his finest turn was the rope-spin-ning with a heavy length 72ft long. This was a magnificent performance which thoroughly roused the audience. His riding of the notorious ‘Aristocrat’ was also a fine piece of work.

The local riders who once again tried their luck supplied some fine turns. Most notable of these was Barney Webster who actually stayed the 10 seconds required to Xvin his £lO price and received on ovation in the process. Mr Barney Soutar likewise gave a good display astride the fiery ‘Mandrake.’ In the ‘merry mix-up’ for the locals the arena was literally filled with hopefuls who supplied many a laugh as ponies and mules were cornered, and mounted haphasardly. However nobody was hurt and everybody thoroughly enjoyed the fun. George Ausling’s splendid nine-year-old mount ‘Banjo’ figured in several features of prominence. This horse from the Aussie outbacks was trained. and reared by Ausling and supplies one of the tops of the show. Ausling Brothers featured in the programme continuously and carried off the final act, of two bucking bronchos in the ring at the one time, an event as spectacular as it is dangerous and thrilling. The singing interludes by ‘Happy’ and ‘Tex’ and the clowning episodes rounded off an entertainment as popular as it was varied and instructive, and the Company can rest assured of a further warm welcome whenever they return to this district.