From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 7 March, 1902. Price 1d.

THE CHILDREN'S SPECTACLE

Mr. S. Payn applied, on behalf of Mr. T. G. Transfield, for a licence to employ 56 children at the "Hippodrome" in a spectacular scene. The magistrates declined to grant the request. Opposition was offered by the Town Clerk, representing the School Attendance Committee.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 24 April, 1914. Price 1d.

THE ROYAL HIPPODROME

Mr. J. T. Poole, the popular manager of the “Royal Hippodrome,” has this week another excellent variety programme for the patrons of the “Hippodrome,” the chief item on which Miss Mary Mayfrens Co., in “The Yellow Fang,” a dramatic and exciting episode of an opium den in Chinatown, San Francisco. It is full of dramatic and exciting scenes, and the different characters are well sustained by Mr. George Pickett, Mr. Laurence Osbourne, Mr. Alfred Fisher, Mr. A. Gordon Laws, Mr. Walter Finney and Miss Violet Campbell. The Two Sordinis give a splendid musical turn, and are loudly applauded. Capt. Spaulding, the wizard of fire, gives some marvellous exhibitions of fire eating. He bites ends off electrically heated carbons, pours molten lead into his mouth, and does several other things which would be fatal to the ordinary person. He also walks amongst the audience allowing people to put their cigars out on his tongue. Billy Marsden gives some delightful concertina tunes, and is very amusing with his patter. Miss Le Compt an American comedian, is very popular, as also is Miss may Poulton, another comedienne, whilst Billy Marsden is very funny, and causes roars of laughter in his latest successes.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 2 February, 1917.

RAPID EFFECT OF GIN

At the Dover Police Court on Saturday before Messrs. W. J. Barnes J. W. Bussey, and H. Hobday.

Selina Levy, of 19, Ladywell Place, was summoned for being drunk and incapable in Cannon Street.

Police-sergeant Popple said: At 10.30 p.m. on Saturday night I saw defendant helplessly drunk in Cannon Street, and had to convey her to the Police Station on an ambulance.

Defendant said that she was sober at 10 p.m., but she went to the “Hippodrome” and saw a friend of hers and she had a glass of gin which overcame her. She could not remember being conveyed to the Police Station.

A fine of 2s. 6d. was inflicted.

Dover Express 26th April 1918.

ROW AT THE HIPPODROME.

At the Dover Police Court on Tuesday before Messrs.. Edward Chitty (in the chair) and H. Hobday.

James Kinsella, a bluejacket, with having been drunk and disorderly and with refusing to quit licensed premises at “The Royal Hippodrome” and, further, with assaulting Police Sergt. Husk.

Police Sergt. Husk said that, at 9.30 p.m. he was on duty at the Royal Hippodrome and saw a disturbance near the emergency exit door of the “pit”. He found an attendant named Terry and P.C. Harman tried to get the prisoner and another sailor, who were drunk, to leave the premises. The prisoner said that he was Irish and not going to be put out, and became very rough and struck witness in the face. The other man was very violent and the P.C. took him away.

W. C. Terry, an attendant at the Hippodrome, said that the man became a nuisance in the pit and witness had to restrain him. At the pit door the prisoner struck the Sergeant and also P.C. Harman.

The Chief Constable said that the prisoner was absolutely mad when he came into the Police Station.

Fined 20s for drunkenness and 20s for the assault.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 12 February, 1932. Price 1½d.

THE HIPPODROME AS A THEATRE – LATEST PROPOSAL

It will be noted from our advertising columns that an effort is being made to form a local private limited liability company, with a nominal capital of £1,500, to acquire the remaining fourteen years' lease and run the property as a theatre. The promoter, Mr. F. L. Loveridge (who has resided in the Borough for some 30 years) thinks that Dover can and will rise to the occasion. He believes that if local capital and management were vested in the “Hippodrome,” interest would be around and people would rally round to make the place self supporting and enable it to show a reasonable return on the capital invested. It must be remembered that it means the employment of actors, actresses, musicians, and the usual personnel connected with the running of the theatre, who must, of necessity, spend their wages in the town.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 14 October, 1932. Price 1½d.

HIPPODROME PARTY'S FATAL CRASH

A very sad accident happened on the Cheriton Road, Folkestone, soon after midnight on Saturday, when Miss Alma Peters, of Folkestone, who was accompanied by Lance-Corporal Carter, of the 2nd Battalion The Buffs, was knocked down by a motor-cycle, driven by John Arthur Crothall, of 29, Trimworth Road, Folkestone. A sequel to this was the finding of Lance-Corpl. Carter's body on the railway line at the Warren on Tuesday night, with the head severed.

The inquest on Miss Peters, conducted by Mr. G. W. Haines (Folkestone Borough Coroner) was held at the Town Hall, Folkestone, yesterday, (Thursday) afternoon. Mr. Medlicott, of Folkestone, appeared for Mr. Crothall.

The Coroner said that, unfortunately, the soldier would be unable to give evidence as his dead body had been found at the Warren, and Andrew Purdey, the pillion rider, also would be unable to give evidence as he was still ill in hospital, and was unable to remember anything about the accident.

Dr. I. E. Brookes, the Resident House Surgeon at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Folkestone, said that death was due to a fractured skull and shock.

P.C. Farrier said that the road was very dark at the scene of the accident, which was opposite Martin Walter's motor works, on the Cheriton Road. The night was rough, and the roads wet. In a statement, Crothall said that he estimated his speed at 35 m.p.h. He was unable to see which way they were going so he pulled out to the middle of the road.

Mr. R. D. Walker, 328, Cheriton Road, Folkestone, said that he had a party of friends, which included Crothall and Purdey, went to the Hippodrome at Dover. He was driving a car, and Mr. Mazetti was driving a car, and Crothall, with Purdey as pillion passenger, was driving a motor-cycle. They arrived at Folkestone at about 11.45 p.m., and then went on to Cheriton and Newington. On their return they stopped at Trimworth Road to discharge some passengers, but Crothall went on. Mazetti and he followed later, and when they were near Martin Walter's they saw Crothall in the road signalling them to stop. The girl was lying in the middle of the road, and Purdey was lying in the gutter. Carter was supporting the girl.

In reply to the Coroner, witness said that none of the party had a drink all the evening.

The Coroner read a statement made by Lance-Corporal Carter to the Police, directly after the accident, in which he said that he was engaged to the deceased, and was returning from a dance at Cheriton. They were walking in the roadway to escape the rain-drops from the trees. He heard the sound of a motor-cycle coming behind, and he turned round and saw it was about 200 yards away. They gradually edged towards the curb, and he glanced round again and saw it was nearly on top of him, and before he could get out of the way it ran into them. Miss Peters was walking nearer to the curb.

Mr. Crothall, who is 20 years of age, said that he was a builder student. He was riding an Ariel 2¼-h.p. motor-cycle. As was his habit in the town he was only using his dim-lights, which only illuminated the road up to 12ft. in front of him. When he was opposite Martin Walter's, he saw two figures in front of him; he shut off his engine, and then there was a crash. Carter was running about the road and saying, “Where is she?”

In reply to the Coroner, he said that he was travelling at 30 miles per hour. He could pull up ion 30 yards on a wet road. He did not know whether he applied his brakes or not.

The Coroner, in his summing up, said that in the case of a driver who drove along a road at 30 m.p.h. and knew he could not pull up under 30 yards, it was not safe for such a person top hold a licence, for he held their lives in their hands.

The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to being run over by the motor-cycle, which was being negligently driven by Mr. Crothall. The negligence did not amount to manslaughter.

THE TRAGIC SEQUEL

The body of Lance-Corporal Carter was, on Tuesday night at 11.05 p.m., found in the 6ft way of the Southern Railway, near the Warren Station. His head was severed from the body. Lance-Corporal Carter was engaged to the dead girl, was very heart broken at her death. The body was removed to the “Valiant Sailor,” where Mr. R. Mowll, the East Kent Coroner, will hold an inquest to-day.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 14 October, 1932. Price 1½d.

SUNDAY CONCERT AT THE HIPPODROME

At the Special Transfer Sessions, held at the Dover Police Court on Friday, before Messrs. W. J. Barnes, J. W. Bussey, W. Bradley, S. J. Livings, W. S. Lee, W. B. Brett and W. L. Law.

Mr. W. Rice applied on behalf of the “Royal Hippodrome” for a licence for music and singing on Sundays, during the winter months, as he had had several applications from local bands, etc., to give concerts there. The programmes would be thoroughly discreet, and he was prepared to give a certain amount to charity, as might be decreed, including the Mayor's Fund and the Hospital. He produced letters from Betteshanger Colliery Welfare Silver Band, and the Deal and District Cymric Male Voice Choir of 33 voices.

The Chairman said they did not want comic songs, but there was no objection to nice singing.

The allocation was granted, the hours being from 6 till 10 p.m., and provided that the bars were closed.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 10 March, 1933. Price 1½d.

HOW THE HIPPODROME HELPS EMPLOYMENT

(To the Editor of the Dover Express.)

Sir, - The recent production of “The Belle of New York” at the “Royal Hippodrome” gave the writer, as one of the performers, a first-hand opportunity of viewing the organisation and staff necessary to conduct the theatre. Our week was a particularly happy one, and, viewed from all angles, perhaps the outstanding characteristic was the cleanliness and comfort of the theatre, allied for the whole-hearted support of the proprietor and his very energetic staff. It can now be mentioned that the dress rehearsal had to be abandoned on Monday afternoon owing to alteration of scenery, and it says much for the loyalty of the staff when I state that they worked solidly for twelve hours, without a break for food, to ensure that the stage would be ready for the first night's performances. I was surprised to find, and I am sure your readers will be surprised to read, that the “Hippodrome” provides employment for approximately thirty persons. This presents the permanent local employees, to which must be added the articles providing the weekly programme, making a total employment of about 45 persons. The total wages or salaries list artists work out at anything up to £250 per week, the bulk of which circulates in Dover. With these facts before us, it must be admitted that the “Hippodrome” is a decided asset to the town, yet on a recent visit I was distressed to find that the attendance was painfully small. Why is it? The theatre is cosy and warm; the staff always cheerful, and the programmes quite good. I saw among last week's performance two turns who could hold their own at the London Palladium, yet with such material on show the house could not be considered good. I received a circular a short time ago with some very sound Rotarian suggestions for reducing employment, emphasising the importance of spending just that little bit extra on the house, clothes, business premises, etc., all with one object in view – the retention of men in their present employment. I whole-heartedly agree with the idea, and as it is generally agreed that entertainment forms part of our national life, I want to appeal to the townspeople of Dover that they make a strong effort to spend at least, a part of their amusement money in support of the Hippodrome, thus ensuing that the many employees retain their employment. Now, Dover, what about it? Please believe that I have no personal interest in this matter, neither am I a publicity booster for the proprietor.

Snifkins.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News. Friday 24 June, 1938.

NO TRUTH IN HIPPODROME CLOSURE RUMOURS

There has been a rumour in Dover recently that the Royal Hippodrome is to close at an early date owing to the proposed Snargate Street improvement, but this is quite untrue. In answers to enquiries, Mr. Armstrong, Managing Director of the Hippodrome, says that he has not yet even been approached as to terminating his lease, which has several years to run. Naturally, rumours of an early closure are very damaging to the Hippodrome from a business point of view. Future bookings have been made, in fact, as far ahead as the Christmas pantomime, which will be "Cinderella," starting on Boxing Day. Coming closer to the present moment, next weeks Chapmans' Royal Bengal Circus will be at the Hippodrome; the following week will see "The Ovaltinies"; and a week later Dorothy Holbrook's "Hussar Band." A very good booking has been made for the week beginning July 27th, when Nellie Wallace is to come to the Hippodrome. These few samples of the attractions to come are one of the best refutations of the rumour as to closing. The Hippodrome has improved under Mr. Armstrong's management during the last two years in a degree not generally realised. There was a time when people went out of Dover for theatrical shows. To-day conditions are reversed, and visitors from Folkestone and Deal form part of the regular clientéle of the Hippodrome.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 12 August, 1938. Price 1½d.

THE HIPPODROME

Hughie Green's latest production “Stars of To-morrow,” comes to the “Hippodrome” next week. His latest discoveries to be seen will be George Formby's young sister, Ethel, with her uke' and songs; also Joey Hopkinson, the boy comedian from the new film “Melodyand Romance” and Britain's young Joe E. Brown.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 7 October, 1938. Price 1½d.

A HIPPODROME ANNIVERSARY

The “Hippodrome” next week is celebrating the second anniversary of its re-opening of the Theatre under Mr. Armstrong's proprietorship, and he is to be heartily congratulated on the perseverance he has shown in making the Theatre what it is today. In October, 1936, he arrived in Dover and shared in a partnership which, however, was dissolved in the following march, since when Mrs. Armstrong and he have had joint control. Thanks to Mr. Armstrong's determination to improve the standard of entertainment provided and raise the tome of the Theatre, it is to-day considered to be one of the best in the provinces. The condition and position of Snargate Street has by no means helped in this resuscitation, though even that has not prevented the Theatre from becoming widely patronised. There are many who have never been inside the Theatre owing to its position, but those who have, have been amply rewarded and a very large number have become weekly patrons. In addition to drawing on Dover it is noteworthy that large numbers visit the Theatre from Folkestone, Deal, Canterbury and the surrounding districts. As will be seen from the advertisement, there is an attractive programme for next week, and in addition special gifts will be presented to members of the audience throughout the week.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News. 13 January 1939.

The last of three pantomimes will be staged next week, when Frank Roy presents the popular pantomime, "Dick Wittington and his Cat." "Idle Jack" will be played by the young Yorkshire commedian, Leslie Gunby, and the "cook" by Al. Almont; "Alice Fitzwarren" by Shirley Winter, and "Fitzwarren" by Roy Raymond. The principal boy, Margaret Marsh, is an excellent "Dick Wittington," and Maurice Sanger, the "cat." Matinees will be held on Wednesday and Saturday, with special prices for children.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News. 20 November 1942.

POPPY DAY, DOVER'S FINE EFFORT

It was reported that the "Hippodrome" raised the sum of £8 8s. 2d. for the Poppy Fund of 1942.

Dover Express 28th June 1946.

THREE MEN FOR TRIAL. HIPPODROME BURGLARY.

At Dover on Friday before Mr. W. J. Pudney, presiding.

James Joseph Dillon, aged 25, of Seven Star Street Flats, a labourer, Edward Alexander Clithero, 20, of Snargate Street, a miner, and Roy Harkett, 19, of Caroline Place, a miner, were charged with, on June 8th, breaking and entering the Royal Hippodrome bar and stealing a wireless set, wine, rum, whisky, gin, cigars and cigarettes, valued at £31 5s 6d.

PC Bowers said that, at 1.30 a.m. on June 9th, he was called to a disturbance at 7, Caroline Place, where he found Clithero lying on the kitchen floor drunk. Dillon was also there and had been drinking. Witness saw four bottles, whisky, gin, rum and wine. Dillon said “I have had a good evening and its cost me £12 for this stuff and the beer. We’ve been celebrating. It’s my sister’s birthday.”

DC Wright said in response to a telephone message to the police from Mrs. Edith Catherine Scott, manageress of the Hippodrome bars, reporting the burglary, he went to the Hippodrome at 7.20 p.m. on June 9th and, examining the premises, found access had been gained by means of a window on the first floor at the rear of the building in Northampton Street. At 8.20 the same evening, he went to 142 Snargate Street where he saw Dillon and Clithero. He searched the premises and found bottles of whisky and port, whereupon Clithero handed him a packet of cigarettes, saying “Jimmy gave them to me last night” referring to the cigarettes, whisky and port. Witness said that he would take defendants to the Police Station, but, outside the building, Dillon broke away. When he was eventually caught in the gardens at the rear of Cambridge Terrace, he said “Give me a razor and I’ll finish myself off”. After Dillon had been taken to the police station, witness returned to 142 Snargate Street for Clithero, who said “I’ll show you where we put the wireless set” and took witness to a bombed house where the set was concealed. Returning again to the house in Snargate Street, witness saw Harkett, who admitted having cigars, gin and wine in the house. He too was taken to the police station where he made a statement in which he said that, on the Saturday night at about 11 o’clock, he went with the other two defendants to the back of the Hippodrome. He bunked Jimmy (meaning Dillon) up to the window and the stuff was thrown down to him. Clithero also made a statement in which he admitted keeping a watch while Dillon was obtaining entry. Dillon stated that, after they had taken the stuff, they went to Harkett’s house for a drink. Harkett “passed out” at about 12.30 and Clithero at about 12.45. He stayed awake all night and, the following day, went fishing, when he threw some of the stuff over the side.

Defendants were committed for trial at the Dover Quarter Sessions on July 15th, Dillon in custody and Clithero and Harkett on bail.

The man named Dillon with 7 previous convictions although he pleaded that he had some kind of mental illness, he got 6 months in July 1946. In May 1947 he was back in court with a soldier charged with breaking into Burtons. They were sent for trial.

Dover Express 19th July 1946.

Dover Quarter Sessions.

The Hippodrome Burglary.

James Joseph Dillon, aged 23, of Seven Star Street Flats, cabinet maker, Roy Harkett, 18, miner, of 7 Caroline Place, and Edmund Alexander Clithero, aged 21, miner, of 142 Snargate Street, pleaded guilty to breaking and entering the "Royal Hippodrome" on Tuesday June 8th and stealing a five valve wireless set, bottles of port wine, whisky and other articles value £31. 5s 6d the property of Mr. H. R. Armstrong.

Mr. Maxwell J. H. Turner appeared for the prosecution and Mr. Wilson Price for Dillon.

Mr. Turner said that, on the night of June 8th somebody broke into the premises of the Hippodrome by tearing away the first-aid repair covering of a window and thus gaining access to the bar. About 1.30 the following morning, PC Bowers was called to a disturbance at 7 Caroline Place, where he found Clithero lying on the floor, drunk, and Dillon, who had also been drinking. There were bottles of gin, rum and whisky about and Dillon said “I have had a good evening. This lot cost me £12. The following afternoon it was found that the Hippodrome had been broken into and this property was missing. Later, the Police saw Dillon and Clithero at 142 Snargate Street. Dillon was arrested and, on the way to the Police Station, he ran away, but was recaptured after a chase. He then said “Give me a razor and I’ll finish myself off”. Clithero was also arrested and, on the way to the Police Station, he said “I’ll show you where we put the wireless set” and took them to a war-damaged house, where the set was found. When the third defendant was seen, he produced some cigars and a bottle of gin, part of the proceeds of the burglary. Altogether £21. 14s 1d worth of stolen property had been recovered. In their statements the accused all said the same ---- that Dillon went in through the window while the others waited outside. Clithero said he was keeping watch. Mr. Turner mentioned that Harkett, after being committed for trial on this charge, was arrested in London and sentenced to 14 days hard labour for being a suspected person loitering with intent commit a felony.

DC Wright stated that Dillon had seven previous convictions, mostly for larceny and looting, the last being 3 years Borstal treatment for two cases of looting. He served two years in the army and was discharged on medical grounds. He was released from Borstal in February this year and had followed no employment since. He had tried to get employment on a sea-going vessel. Harkett had two previous convictions, including the one mentioned by Mr. Turner. He was a married man with one child and had been employed at Snowdown Colliery since leaving school. He was a brother-in-law of Dillon. Clithero was also married and had one child. He was directed into the mining industry in 1941 and was released in May on medical grounds, being at present unemployed.

Mr. Hartley Horsfield, the Probation Officer, stated that, as long as Harkett worked on the shift with his father, he did well, but, since his marriage, he had not been working regularly and his record had deteriorated. With regard to the offence in London, Harkett stated that he hitch-hiked to London and had not been there many hours and was looking for somewhere to sleep when he was arrested. They said he had been trying a door. Clithero was the most intelligent of the three men. It seemed that the collieries had undermined his health. He had been having rather a difficult time because of ill health.

Mr. Wilson Price submitted that there was some grounds for the view that Dillon’s behaviour in this case and his past record was partly the result of some mental state from which he was suffering. He was discharged from the Army after having been seen by a psychiatrist spending some months in a mental hospital. He was not granted a pension and that rather made him feel that he was being treated unfairly and did not tend to help his position. Having regard to all the circumstances and to the fact that this escapade took place on the night of the Victory celebrations, this was a case which might be dealt with as somewhat out of the ordinary and perhaps treat Dillon rather more leniently than his previous record might normally allow.

Clithero stated that he committed the offence because he was very hard up and the doctor at the clinic had told his wife it would be best for the health of their child if it was taken away from Dover for a few weeks for a change of air.

Mrs. Clithero, called by her husband, gave similar evidence.

The Deputy Recorder said she was taking into account the fact that this was Victory night and also bearing in mind that it was an isolated offence and not one of a series. But, in the case of Dillon, there was the very serious feature which she could not overlook ---- that he had only been released from Borstal on February 27th. In the circumstances, he would have to go to prison for six months. She had been seriously considering whether she ought not to send Harkett to a Borstal Institution, but had decided to bind him over for two years. Clithero, too, would be given a chance to live this down and would be placed on probation under Mr. Horsfield for two years.

Dover Express 16th May 1947.

We regret to record the death, which took place suddenly at Dundee on Wednesday, of Mr. H. R. Armstrong who for many years was manager of the "Royal Hippodrome." Throughout the war, he kept this place of entertainment open and received national publicity because of it. It was a stroke of misfortune that, in the last weeks of shelling, the building was hit. It has been closed since. For some time afterwards, Mr. Armstrong managed the Pleasure Gardens Theatre, Folkestone.

Dover Express 30th May 1947.

THE LATE MR. H. R. ARMSTRONG.

The interment of the ashes of Mr. Herbert Roberts Armstrong, whose death occurred at Dundee on May 14th after only a short illness, took place at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Thursday last week. Mr. Armstrong who, only three weeks before his death, had taken over the managership of the "Palace Theatre," Dundee, will be especially remembered by many who remained in Dover throughout the war years for his untiring efforts to provide variety shows at the "Royal Hippodrome," which he managed with great success for twelve years. It was not until the last week of enemy shelling, when the Hippodrome received a direct hit from a shell, that the building was finally closed.

One who had known Mr. Armstrong for many years, writes of him: On Thursday 22nd May, at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Dover, we said farewell to Herbert Roberts Armstrong, late proprietor of the "Royal Hippodrome Theatre." He passed away as he would have wished – in harness – for he had become the manager of the "Palace Theatre," Dundee. A chill caused an attack of bronchial pneumonia which proved fatal. His valiant efforts to keep the "Hippodrome Theatre" providing entertainment during the war years will not be forgotten. In all walks of life, many people have lost a friend.

Dover Express 20th June 1947.

Town, Port & Garrison.

An application for the transfer of the licence of the "Royal Hippodrome" from Herbert Roberts Armstrong deceased to Mrs. Annie Rosina Armstrong of 103 Maison Dieu Road, was granted by the Dover Magistrates on Friday.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 13 October, 1950.

TRANSFORMING SNARGATE STREET

Demolition work is practically completed of the property on the seaward side of Snargate Street from the old bethel Corner as far as the Hippodrome. The contract for he Hippodrome's removal has been let, and work is expected to begin shortly.

From the Dover Express, 19 January 1951.

"BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE"

FOR THE LAST TIME.

As workmen were pulling down the main wall of the Hippodrome by means of the wire hawsers attached to a winch, tons of masonry and brickwork, which should have fallen inside the remains of the building, collapsed across Northampton Street early on Monday afternoon.

The first picture, taken only just over an hour before, shows the wall before its collapse. The wires can be seen coming from the windows and going over the top of the wall. In the second picture workmen clear away the rubble, while lorries and cars detour along part of the quayside.

From the Dover Express, 13 April 1951

Another Hippodrome Memory

Mrs. Vallat, of 118, Framfield Road, Hanwell, W.7., in a Ietter to the Editor, writes:-

"I see our old friend, the 'Express,' has raised it's price; but, anyway, it's worth it. There is more news in it than in any London newspaper. I always look it right through, and know the devastation through bombing and demolition. One thing I noticed Particularly was the taking down of the old Clarence Theatre, as it was called when I was young.

"It was on that stage that I first appeared, as one of the 92nd Highlander's who relieved Cawnpore in the Indian Mutiny. There were about 50 little girls dressed in kilts-with guns and all -and we marched over a high bridge, back-stage, to the tune of 'Blue Bonnets over the Border' and 'The Campbell's are Coming.' Then we went in to kill the sepoys-all the bangs made back-stage-and we carried off the dead bodies (all blacks) and came in again as reinforcements.

"Ah, those were the days. How we all enjoyed two performances nightly. How sorry I was when it was all over. I think we were paid three or tour shillings a week. I can't think how I was then. I wonder if anyone I else remembers those days and the plays-'Uncle Tom's Cabin' and all the sensational dramas, and the Scotch and Irish comedians.

"I loved the stage, and when they were engaging girls for the pantomime, I used to go every day to see if there was a vacancy. How disappointed I was, as I wasn't a dancer then.