THE AUSTRALIAN BLONDIN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 23, 26 January 1878, Page 4

THE AUSTRALIAN BLOND IN.

The amounceuient that the "Au&trnlian Blondin" would wulk acroßa the river Yarra on a wire, aaj that there would be no charge made for witnessing the performance, was sufficient to draw a large crowd to the neighborhood of Edwards' boat-houses on a

recent Saturday night. The wire used was apparently Jin wire, and the site selected was immediately »bove the boat-house. The night was dsrk, and evidently not the least preparation had been made for li^htinj up the performance. Shor'ly before starting 'the performer lied n couple of fireworks to each end of the balancing-pole, but one of them fell off almost immediately, and the other did not last one-third . of the way across. The perfortoeristarted on his difficult task with confidence, but when about a dozen yards on the wire he turned as iif to come back. He changed hia mind, however, went on, and crossed safely. The persons managing the fireworks allowed one to become extinguished before the next was lighted, so that Biondin was twice in the dark before he got across. The wire was badly guyed in only two places, and swayed a great deal. With such unsteady footing, oombined with a fitful light alternating with almost total darkness, the trip must have been a difficulty one. Soon after starting oa the return trip the fireworks on the south side of the river gave out, and before accomplishing one quarter of the journey Bloudia misssel his looting and fell, but hung on the wire with his legs. With great pluck and determination he maintained his hold of the heavy balancing pole, struggling hard to get it above the wire again, in order to regain his position. A light was shown from the northern bank, but in a few seconds this gave out, and no more attempts were made to light up the scene. In the dim light the lad could be seen trying hard to get above the wire, and after a time he succeeded in regaining his feet, and returned to his original starting point amid the most enthusiastic cheering. The performer showed great coolness and pluck, and with a well-stayed wire could evidently perform the feat with ease. A collection was made on the ground to defray expense*.— Melbourne Paper.