A Sack of Ghosts, Desiccated Canaries, Kilts v Trousers

THE STRANGE WORLD OF THE EARLY 1870s, AS SEEN IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

The School of the Arts, hitherto a rather stodgy institution, offered the most peculiar entertainments in the early 1870s. Not since the outbreak of wizardry in the 1850s had Brisbane flocked to anything like Chapman’s Wonders:

Legerdemain effects involve sleight of hand, presumably used in the sack full of ghosts, but desiccated canaries? The Moucher whose vicissitudes were to be depicted was presumably the ancestor of a Moocher, but what any of this had to do with dried songbirds is lost to history.

The Dalby Herald and Western Advertiser described the sack of ghosts thus:

“Mr. Chapman has his hands secured behind his back with a pair of handcuffs; he is then placed in a sack, tied up, and the cords are sealed with a signet-ring belonging to one of the audience. He then enters the box— which is a wooden frame covered with drapery, and while behind the curtains he takes off his coat and vest, which he pitches over the frame, rings bells and kicks up a row generally. Eventually he escapes from the “spirits,” leaving the sack behind him, but still with his hands secured behind his back, and of course minus the coat and vest. The affair was well done, however it is managed, and as precautious are taken that no one shall approach the box, and the handcuffs and sack are examined both before he enters and when he emerges from it, the magician must execute the whole of the maneuvers himself. The most singular part of this performance is that when he does emerge the cords still secure the mouth of the sack, the seal is intact, and there is not appearance of a rent or other sign of how a solid body -and Mr. Chapman looks solid enough – could get out of it.”

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In the balmy spring of 1871, and in aid of the Brisbane Hospital, the Brisbane Caledonian Society offered entertainments in the Botanical Gardens. Competition was open to Society Members, and included the standard Caber Toss and Hammer Throw, and an inordinate amount of flings, reels and sword dancing. Not to mention Consolation Quoits at 11 am.

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I’m sure everyone was relieved by the trunk-wearing specification. (If only the public donning of activewear came with a similar stricture.) Then there was this: “Kilts v. Trousers, a Private Race between two Members (special prize given by one of the Members).” The mind boggles.

The great day was rainy, preventing too much larking around, regardless of the leg covering worn, and the Courier felt that it could not call the day an unqualified success.

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Sometimes, the stories in the Classifieds told themselves. Here, in March 1874 –

Followed, not surprisingly, by:

WANTED by a SUGAR PLANTER, age 23, an industrious WIFE, with some Capital. Address, accompanied with Carte-de-Visite, to M. L. R., General Post-office, Brisbane.

So, wealthy, reasonable-looking (hence the carte-de-visite), and willing to work her rear end off. Good luck with that, M.L.R.

Other classifieds showed the peculiar wants and needs of the time:

James Campbell of Creek Street wanted any quantity of empty bags. For what purpose, he declined to state.

Mr H Aurousfau, of Manly Beach, Sydney, wanted to purchase White or Purple GUAVAS. Prices must be moderate.

J. Forsyth & Co, Queen Street, wanted “a MILLINER and TWO SCHOLARS.” An odd combination.

R. Kellett, George Street, wanted a First-class MAN-COOK. A MAN COOK was also sought by Witty’s Hotel. One imagines it was a male cook they sought, and they were not catering to some sort of cannibal trade.

H. Corbett wanted what any lady wanted: a Useful MAN. (Apply to H. Corbett, City Arms Hotel, George Street.)

Mrs Phelan was at the end of her tether with one particular man – useful or otherwise: PAT COLLINS. Hawthorn, Victoria, who left his wife and children seven years ago, last heard of at Burns’ Camp, Dalby line, Toowoomba, about three years ago – Write at once to Mrs. PHELAN, Hawthorn, who is going to sell out and leave with children for home.

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And finally, things were getting very odd in Maryborough:

MISSING FRIEND. REWARD £oo,ooo, WILL be paid to anyone who can give information as to the whereabouts of a Mr. JOHN HOWSUMDEVER, He was last seen on Sunday, during the storm, standing on the ‘Bridge of Sighs,’ now in course of erection near the Hospital, apparently admiring the beautiful lakes being formed by nature and the Corporation for the recreation of dead dogs, cats, horses, and other live animals, when suddenly the bank was observed to give way, and Mr Howsumdever, together with about £100 of the people’s taxes, in the shape of earth were seen swimming towards the bed of the river, for the supposed purpose of taking its level. Anyone who may know anything about the unfortunate individual will confer a lasting favor upon his admiring friends by giving information and receiving the above munificent reward at the COUNCIL CHAMBERS. 

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