THe Bijou Variety Troupe performed in the Odd Fellows' Hall, on Tuesday evening last, and introduced a novel feature into the entertainment, by announcing the presentation of a silver watch, to the authonr of the best connundrum, sent in to the management before seven o'clock, on the evening of the performance--the award being made by a jury of three, selected by the audienoe from among themselves. The first part of the programme was opened by Mr. Houten, playing with great effect, a composition by Crosse, "A night storm at sea," whilh was followed by the well known song, "When other lips and other hearts." Notwithstanding many defects, which careful study and constant practice, can alone remove, Miss Lynch sang this song sufficiently well to elicit a well merited encore. The song set down in on the programe was," I cannot sing the old songs," and it is desirable that the management should see that the programme is strictly adhered to ; substitutions are a disappointment to the audience, and should never be resorted to without an explanation being afforded. Next came a double hornpipe by Mesdames St. Clair and Beatrice. The constant repetition of this favorite national dance in no way affects time receptiou ascorded the fair executants, who on this occasion were as heartily applauded as on, the first night of their appearance... Mr. E. Smith made his first appearance as a trapesist on thisocceasion, and by the ease and grace of his movements, as well as his skill and daring, shewed himself a well-trained gymnast, and each trick was greeted with outbursts of applause. A duet, cornet and piano, played by Mr. Houten, afforded evidence of his abilities as a musician, and his command over both instruments. The little ballet by Misses St. Clair, Beatrice and Lynoch, were as graceful and pleasing a spectacle as could be desired, and the efforts of the ladies was rewarded by a repetition being demanded, Mr. Sloman, as a magician, performed some excellent tricks, but he lacks confidence and ease in his intercourse with the audience; his "Atmospheric mint," which enabled him to get half crowns from anywhere and everywhere - out of ladies chigoons, off the bald heads of elderly gentlemen, and from the scant beards of the young ones, was very successIul, and kept the audience agape with astonishment, and in roares of laughter. The presentation of the watch was to have taken place during the interval between the first and second parts of the programme, but as Mr. Sloman was behind in his arrangements for his feats of magic, the presentation took place before the conclusion of the first part of the programme. A jury consisting of Messrs. D. C. Hillman, G. Knight, and C. Searle, having been selected, the sealed envelopes containing the connundrums were handed to them by the stage manager, Mr. Wilson. They were opened opened and read to the audience, the reading creating much fun. They were as follows : No 1. What does Mr. Houten possess, which he pours out without wasting, and yet continues to retain ?- His Soul in harmony. No 2 How can the agent of the Bijou Troupe claim relationship to a Norman conquorer? - Because he is Wil'son. (Wills'son), No 3. Why is Miss Lynch like the Western Australian Bank? - Because she changes her notes for gold.No 4. Why may Miss Beatrice of the
the Bijou Troupe be suspected of smoking? - Because she has been seen indulging in a Horn-pipe. No 5. Why does a dog gnaw a bone ?-, Because he can't swallow it. No 6. Why is Responsible Government like the Grave? - Because we are hastening to it and the issue is uncertain. No 7. If on this occasion there were three watches for the successful competitor to choose from, one having been purchased at King's one at Moore's and the other at Mason's, which one should he select? - Why, the best, of course, ha ! ha ! Now if that is not the best connundrum, the answer's "the best " at any rate. No 8. If Miss Stewart were accidentally to drop from the top of the duplicate Ladder, what would she be 7--a fallen star. No 9. Why is the chief of the Fremantle Good Templars like a man about to be hanged? - Because he objects to taking a drop. No 10. Why should the power of the prima-danseuse of the Bijou Troupe be dreaded more than that of any other member of the Company? - Because she can administer Lynch Law. No 11. Why should not the handsomest man of the Bijou Troupe be considered fast? - Because he is without doubt a Slow-man. No 12. Why should Mr. Houten of the Bijou Troupe be sent to the DeGray District to civilize the natives? - Because music bath charms to soothe the savage breast No 13. Why is Mr. James' perpetual motion machine, like Miss St. Clair when she is dancing an Irish Jig? - because it goes till it stops. No 14. Who should take precedence as our maritime auctioneer? - Why Mr. Humphry to be sure, for he is the only one that is A One (A 1) at Lloyds. No 15. (a)-Why is the presentation watch like the Proprietor of the Bijou Troupe? Because it's Slo.man, of course. (b)-Why is Hopkins the bellman like a spoilt child? - Because the more he gets the more he cries. (c)-Why will Mr.Marmion's new store be very uncomfortable to live in? - Because there will always be a noise (Annois) next door. No 16. Why is professor Smith of the Bijou Troupe more independent than any man of the Company when he is dancing on his back? - Because he has the Globe at his feet. No 17, Why is David Harwood's whiskers like the Township of Rockingham? - Because they are largely laid out and thinly populated. No I8. What is the most diflcult operation a Doctor can perform? - Take the the jaw out of a woman, The jury having consulted, gave the award in favor of the last one of No. 15, as they stand above, and the author having been requested to come forward, Mr. J. W. Humphlry stepped up to the stage, when Mrs. Sloman presented him with the watch, - a handsome silver hunter, The tableaux of the Seasons, and the Classical Groupings, which formed the concluding portion of the programnme, were as successful as usual. The attendance was very good, and the entainment, was altogether one of the best yet given by the company.
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