WILD WEST SHOW

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2160, 16 August 1907, Page 2

WILD WEST SHOW

The fame that bad preceded IVofessor Bates, as one of the most daring anil dashing rough-riders of tho day, to nay nothing of Mass Bates, unique among her sox in the samo branch of the show business, attracted a large crowd to tlio “Wild AAest” location, at the corner of Gladstoneroad and. Derbynstreet, last liighifc. Those in search of a little excitement wero not disappointed, and the manner in which outlaws among horses and ca.ttle wore ridden, together with a number of clever and daring feats of horsemanship, worked the spectators up to a/.great pitch of enthusiasm. Attired--ill the grotesque “cowbov” garb, Professor Bates introduced himself to the crowd with a ftuo display of lassoo work, showing the American' knack, peculiar to that country, of securing horses even when in full gallop. Accuracy and precision of cyo and band in ridiing wero demonstrated bv tho Professor leaning over, when going at full tilt, and nicking a threepenny-piece from the ground. The performer then rode a buckjuanper barebacked. This was one of the show horses, and to say lie knows how to buck "ives but a fa in ut. impression of the quadruped’s abilities. Up and down, round and round, the spirited animal made * ' 11alit attempts to “sky” the Professor, who sat with perfect equanimity, as if on a mechanical rocking-horse. Perhaps tlio finest feat of the evening was M iss Bates’ display in riding a wild bullock, notorious for his buckjumping. The snorting bovine was brought into tho ring, secured by ropes held by three assistants. AA’ben the rider was mounted the performance was very “slick” for a few moments, but unfortunately the tight hold of the bullock’s bead led to an accident. Tho animal plunged forward, liis bead camo in contact with the ground, and an unexpected somersault was the result. Miss Bates fell under the struggling animal, and the spectators wero very anxious for lier safety. As showing tho generous sympathy of tho crowd, when tlio young woman was extricated there were cries of “Change the programme; don’t let Aliss Bates ride.” Though evidently badly shaken, the rider was determined to proceed. The bullock was thrown to enable her to mount, and then the “circus” commenced. Tile I Professor hold a cord, which the rider I was desirous that he should relinI quisli, but lie wisely retained his bold on the brute. Hearty cheers were I given throughout this ac.t. Miss Bates, after this exhibition of “grit,” I with true feminine inconsistency, I fainted, hut soon rallied. She was quite at home on an unruly horse. I and showed herself an apt pupil of the intricacies of lassoo-throwing. I With dexterous twists of the rope she was able at will to tie a man band I and foot. The buckjumping bullock I was produced for imv local rider to I manipulate, but none came forward, I the spectators being quite content to I leave it to tlie show people. A local I horse, supposed to be a bit of an outI law, was mere child’s play to ProfesI sor Bates. He showed first bow to I throw tho animal, but the owner, I amidst the boots of the onlookers, I came forward to interfere. He reI cognised that there was no cruelty I about tlie game, and reI tired. The animal reared, plunged, I and bucked, but was soon subdued by I the AVild AVest man, who was riding bareback with only a halter. Con-

•eluding with further illustrations of what can be done with a lassoo in an expert’s bands, the Professor announced li Is standing challenge to meet any man in tho Australian colonies in six acts of horsemanship, three to be chosen by himself, for a side wager of £SO. He also invited •anyone to bring along unbroken horses for exhibition nurposes, laying five to one on that he would ride, bare-backed, any horse brought to the ground. Miss Svlvia Bates lias a challenge to any lady rider in the colonies. The show will be repeated to-night and until further notice.