REMINISCENCES OF BURTON’S CIRCUS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1470, 1 November 1878, Page 3

REMINISCENCES OF BURTON’S CIRCUS.

[Ry a Christchurch Resident.] Shortly bef >re Christmas of 1852 my mate (now a squatter and M.L.''.) and myself, having worked successfully for several weeks and made a lob as we termed a lucky hit in those days obtaining from a small claim of 12ft. sinking some twelve pounds weight of heavy gold, we held the usual nightly c nsultation over the log fire before turning in, and determined to stow the tools inside our tent, c'ose up, and make our • /ay to Melbourne. The excuse was, to look after our luggage that was stored in Flinders Lane, but in reality we wished to see the town and spend our money in the pleasure we anticipated would be found in that metropolis Leaving Bendigo, upon the eve' ing of the third day we had made Kyneton, then a village containing two hotels and a few straggling habitations. After a hearty supper at the Bober; Bums, we madeour way towards a distant af’ractive light, from the vicinity of which came forth the sounds of a drum. Such excitement was to ns a novelty, and we felt as our blood warmed with glee, t' at our holiday had already begun. Approaching nearer the scene of revelry, fat lamps marking tlie track from the road, we di covered a circular tent in a paddock, and an announcement that Barton’s circus would perform thas night. Upon reaching the door of the circus we came upon a youth drosmd a la Jack Sheohord (whom we discovered afterwards to bo Sam Holmes, the manager, clown, stablekeeper, Ac., &o.), beating a drum upon the upturned head, the reverse having been damaged by some previous performer, Upon our inquiry as to the baud, ho informed us

that the blessed musicians had bolted to the diggings, and that now they had only this drum and a musical-box, which latter instruwas wound up and placed in the circus proper, and to whose sounds the horses pranced and the clown tumbled. Being deeply impressed with the disappointed expressions of this youth, we ventured further inquiry. Our interview was cut short, however, by the arrival of a findybuilt young and handsome man attired in the ring-master’s costume and who provt-d to be the veritable Burton himself. After the usual salutations, we ventured to remark upon the singular orchestra. He sighed, and said, “ What am I to do ; the fellows that were in the band and several of my hands have bolted. I intended playing at Bendigo, but the Commissioner (old Mac) has refused me permission on account, as he says, of drawing a crowd together. I must play to keep the horses in trim ; all I want is music.” We told him that, as amateurs, wo were some on the violin and flute, but those instruments were scarcely adapted for the fiery war horse. We shook hands, and very shortly after were hunting up a fiddle, my mate carrying his instrument with him. We obtained the loan of a shepherd’s cremona, and returning and calling in the powerful aid of the drummer, we struck up, and the performance proceeded to a small but select audience. After the circus, we were invited to partake of refreshment, and Mr Burton, in thanking us, remarked, “ By Jove, the horses never worked better.” This was assented to by Mr Sam Holmes and company. The unpleasant part of the occurrences have now to be related. Although we had engaged and paid for beds at the hotel, wo w re induced from motives of kindness, no doubt, to share the loOging tent for the night. After many funny tales told and queer anecdotes related, we laid down together with the company general in sundry attitudes as space permitted, and as voice after voi e ceased and silence reigned balmy sleep overtook the tired family. But shortly all hands were awakened by loud shrieks proceeding from my mate the flautist, who it appeared had taken possession of the quarters allotted to Major J hn Downey, a huge monkey, who relenting the intrusion, had fastened on him, and was playing rough and tumble pretty warmly. Between the shriek of the amateur and the screeches of the gorilla the state of aifairs seemed urgent. But Major John Downey’s habits being seemingly known, he was rushed, speedily secured, and fastened outside as punishment. My mate, however, relinquished his section, and, in viting me to retire, we rose, and in the early morn found cur way back to the hotel, and took refuge. I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr Burton many times since that eventful night, and the old joke of the musical-box has been often repeated. 1 should, before concluding like to pay a tribute t) the memory of poor Sara H imes, who, after yea's of failing health, died in Adelaide, highly respected, and to r-mark that the name of Burton has for many years in all parts of Australia been heard with pleasure. Iu busim ss transactions, so exact is his system of management that there is not an hotelkeeper or trader of any kind but will be only too pleased to fulfil the orders from agents or managers of the company, knowing that all p y nents will be made without scruple. The last time I had the pleasure ef meet'ng my o d friend, 1 found that he, like myself, was getting grey, and that by an unfortunate accident he was walking lame, and appearing less lively. I can only welc me him to Christchurch and wish him and his company every success. WR.M.