THE RINKING MANIA

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4851, 9 October 1876, Page 3

THE RINKING MANIA

The Odd Fellows’ Hall was opened as a skating rink on Saturday afternoon for the first time. Those enterprising caterers for amusement Messrs. Bates and Howard have again hit the public taste, for there was a large at-, tendance both in the afternoon and evening, and all, whether onlookers or linkers, thoroughly enjoyed themselves. A number of the fair sex put in an appearance, and certainly far outstripped the male skaters, one lady especially causing general admiration by the grace and ease of her movements. The skating itself to the uninitiated looks quite an easy matter, and our reporter in a weak moment was persuaded by the obliging manager to try his hand. Thd* result was more rididulous than sublime, for, on attempting to do as other men, his legs shot out in a most surprising manner, his head coming in violent contact with what should have been ice ; the oieling above became, as the inky firmament of night, and the number of stars were past counting. When the room or rather he—became all right again, he picked himself up, shooting out at right angles, and finding himself reclining on the bosom of a member of Parliament. All sorts of thoughts about breach of privilege floated through his brain, and in a frantic effort to reach a seat bis head came in violent contact with and disturbed the digestive organs of an eminent tragedian. At length ho was assisted to a seat, and when he took off those skates he felt a sadder and wiser man, and determined that linking was not his forte, for the rest of the afternoon and evening merely being a spectator. Considerable amusement was caused by the frequent tumbles and cannons which occurred, in the evening as, many as four and five coming down in a heap, Mr. Hillsden is quite proficient in the use of the figures ami the outside stroke presenting no difficulty to him. He is very kind in giving new-chums a hint, and we can only recommend any one with a spare afternoon to invest a shilling at the rink. The'proprietors have gone to considerable expense, and we hope they will he remunerated as they deserve,:,