THE BLIND MUSICIANS.

Manawatu Herald, 11 December 1900, Page 2

THE BLIND MUSICIANS.

The public of Foxton may expect a j treat on Monday, the 17th of December, when the deaf and dumb and blind I entertainers will make their first ap- | pearance in the Public Hall, Foxton. It is usually supposed that the days of miracles are past, but the oral system as used by the deaf mutes is an instance of a latter day miracle. The North Melbourne Gazette says : •• Fir the dumb to speak has always been regarded as bordering on the miraculous, but this apparent miracle became an actual fact when Mr Morgan rose >■•> and recited two very difficult items with the greatest ease. The manual and the graceful sign systems will also be demonstrated, and " The Charge of the Light Brigade " will be delivered in an exceedingly novel manner. Mr W. Taylor (deaf and dumb), is the lightning sketch artist of the company, and his pictures are drawn with chalk on a large blackboard faster than they can be rubbed out. Miss Woodard is said to be the best deaf and dumb lady club-swinger in Australia, but the Albury Daily News considers this a rather modest statement, as t'>ey ry (: : ' could truly be said that she is equal to the best lady club swinger in the colonies." Miss Woodard will also take part in tableaux and other items. We have had blind performers here before, but another surprise is in store. Mr Solomon, •• the only blind comedian," comes with a great reputation, and will introduce his latest hit entitled " Music on the Brain." in which his novel instrumentalism will be quite a revelation. At a private performance before some of the leading people of Victoria where Mr Solomon first introduced this new item, it was the opinion of all that he was not blind, and for a blind person to play such instruments as he had played was an impossibility, and it was only after he had been examined by a number of medical gentlemen, and had gone through his performance in total darkness that they were convinced. Mr John Irwin is the tenor of the company, and bis musical ability is of a high order. The Auckland Star,

referring to his pis v ing of "Ihe Lost Chord "on the saxe-horn said 'some o f *.h n audience were rpnved to tears onci th*» ninvinw \va<; of n v*»rv remarkable character indeed." Miss Annie Drummond is said to be the leading blind soprano in the colonies. In addition to what has been already mentioned the deaf and dumb artists will give comic representations of various trades and professions, shadow pantomines, etc. So confident are the company of pleasing everyone that they offer to refund the price of admission to all who are dissatisfied.