THE FAKIR OF OOLU.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4819, 7 September 1894, Page 2

THE FAKIR OF OOLU.

. "MGloudsMlßf It has been said," Every cloud has i a silver lining," and the fact that at I least somo clouds are so built, has < just been demonstrated in the case ' of Professor Sylvester and his Mas... ; terton experiences. When—after-/ ' many reverses—he reached this town, ' and on the liight of his first entertainment found that his last effort had apparently failed, his feelings may be better imagined than described. What followed is already known, how the Professor gallantly fought his battles; how Mr J, K, Hood discovered the Btate of affairs, and how sadly in need of real assistance the Sylvester Family proved tobo, Tho idea of the benofit enter- ■' tainment, which took place last evening, was soon started, and support from all quarters was offored most readily, and even at such a short notice it is not therefore surprising that the Temperance Hall was packed in eveiy part, The entertainment opened with ■ an Overture, by the Mnsterton Orchestra, most credibly performed; after which followed a song, "The Wolf," by Mr S, Ralph, who was obliged to respond to an enooro, Mr Winsley next sang "The Breath of Life'Mnavory pleasing manner, and being in excellent voico came in for much applause, and was encored, Miss May Sylvester—the tiny daugb ter of the Professor—next appeared, and quite delighted everybody with her charming singing of " The Old Folks at Home, and later in tho evoning by Special request Bang "Daisy Bell." Some comic songs, which seemed to suit the audience, were well rendered by: Mr J, Light, after which Captain Fred Thomas sang" Queen of the Earth," his fine ypico being heard tq adyaptago jn this favorite song, Encqred, ljo'gayp one qf his qngipal ,funi|y stories, in that style and mannor which, has now made his name famous through: put this district, keeping everybody in roars qf laughtcr,with qf a Melbourne Cup inoidonji,

An Jntei'TOJ of ton nputes sue. cceded, and then the Professor wis introduced by Captain Thqmas, and Hiosfc heartily 'greeted, by the audience. Some clever hat-trjcks, vanishing performances, and general sleight-of-hand work was. rapidly and cleanly performed, praying Professor Sylvester to ho a wizard of nq mean order, while Madamo de ja Roclio ably assisted and-as is usual with th,e sox-djd mqst of the talking, keeping flje audience in a bubble qf good humour, Askejob entitlocl«Tlie by the Professor, gave an exa%le of his versatility, and showed that cornet playing must also bo reckoned amongst his accomplishments. The entertainment concluded with

a special feature of really marvellous interest, ■in which Madame de la Boche, suspended in the air on the point of a sword, becomes a rigid figure, remaining in any position directed by the Professor. His artistic posing of the lady called forth loud applause, and evoked lots of curiosity as to how it was done, but. J although the Professor explained a good many of his illusion's, tl)iq most weird pd startling perform: ance remained a trvyste^y, In bowing his 'adieu, Professor Sylvester spoke most feelingly of the treatment he hadreceiyedinliastqr. ton, andspecially ipntionedthekind. ness of Mr J, E. Hood and Pearson's Band, Many others, including Capt, Thomas, llr Geo. Gray, and even people he did not know, had come forward, unasked, to render assistance, in a manner he should never < forget.: He was also deeply indebted to several ladies, particularly Mrs Mandel, of, the Club' Hotel, and Miss Williams,of the Occidental, to whom/were due his heartfelt for many kindnesses to his wife and' little ones; Again thanking everybody for : real practical sym> the Professor, quite unable to ffrther kpress his feelings, quitted . pwe stage amidst a tumnlt of applause. ;

Professor Sylvester sends us a letter of tliahks, specially mentioning t several people in particular. , jfrcsatirp j}n ouf S space preronts publication. * ~