A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT.

(j/' ne Xiebident 6end& neax\,\e&\ z)ieekina& and eslexAi aood Wi&h lov (^JvLiatmaa and the
\^/ zJiesti wa*' to <*%% z)\Cen\&em and UA&ociakeA c j tne zJlCaaic (^iicle and S\a\,e^nal
ctieetinaA to memuerd ol otnex. z)\Laaical o)ocletied all osiet tne stioxXd and hoped tnat 1 9 5 6
\Ciii be a uea*, ol advancement ol tne \J\Laaic (SLx£ in a Apiiit o± liiend&nip and aoodriill.
HERBERT J. COLLINGS.

Tricks and Illusions

MAGINTS MAGIC
B Y M A G I N I , A.I.M.C.

(10) 3-D DIVINATION

L ET me say right away that this is a tried,

proved and tested effect, based upon
Conradi's Card Circle, little known, and
the apparatus was very expensive (when
cards therein, called out. The three cards in the
small stand are turned around and they are seen
to be the same, and can be given to the holder
of the envelope, proving that it was, indeed, a
obtainable). true divination.
I am giving you a simplified version, plus a Method, This effect can be brought about by
Magini angle, and I hope at least a few of you several means, but it is the dressing and the
will like it. props that make this interesting and so visual.
Effect, On the performer's table is seen a The stand for the circle of cards should be
stand with a large circle of playing cards quite large, and it is not necessary for a com-
(backs outwards), and a spinning hand or plete pack to be used. About 30 - 40 cards make
pointer in the centre. There is another small a very good show, and Dia. 1 should give a lead
stand with three divisions, each to take a card. as to the construction, which will vary from one
These two pieces, plus a pack of cards com- performer to another.
pletes the picture. The small stand, as Dia. 2, is made to take
The cards are shuffled and any number from three cards. Three pieces of card, plastic or
1 - 52 is called out by a member of the audience. metal are cut to the size of the cards you intend
The cards are given to the caller to count down to use and both sides of these are painted or
to the number and to take the next three cards, covered to match the back of the stand.
which are sealed in an envelope and left with Now for the pack of cards which has been
this person. described by me elsewhere, under "The Master
Performer now calls attention to the Card Forcing Pack". It is a pack made up as follows.
Circle and spins the pointer. The card at the Any three cards are duplicated nine times,
position of the pointer when stopped, is taken making 27 in all, e.g. Ace of Clubs, Two of
from the circle and placed in the small stand. Hearts and King of Spades. These are set up
This is repeated twice, and, if desired, the as Ace, Two, King, Ace, Two, King, and so on,
spectator can spin the hand himself. keeping these in sequence, and the other 25
The Card Star is now turned around so that cards are all different, one of which is a locator,
all can see that the remaining cards are such as thick, short, cornered or tabbed. The
different. The envelope in the hands of the locator is the top card of these 25, which are
spectator is now opened and the names of the treated with fanning powder. Thus, you can

42
 above, any number being called up to and in-
Cl/P-5 TO TAK£ CARDS
DIAG.l cluding 24, the pack is given out as it is, but for
25 and over the pack is cut at the locator and
then given out.
To prepare for the effect, take duplicates of
the force cards from the cards used^ for the
circle and place these in the small stand, backs
outwards, and then the fekes, thus leaving the
stand looking quite innocent. The cards are
already in the clips of the circle and all is set.
MAD£ //V FOUff
JfCT/O/VS FC*
The pack of cards is shown, false shuffled,
7AKWG TO PJ€C£S or just the bottom half can be shuffled, and this
3£CTtONS CAN OIL 3CIT-
£O O/Y TO TH£. CBNTfil
is deception enough. The cards are counted to
Boss OB MAOC ro f/r a number called and the next three cards are
/N JIOTS
sealed in an envelope, which is left with the
spectator. The Card Circle is now brought into
MAD£SUG/tTLY 10N6EA
- 7H/S MAKES rop £ASY play, the hand spun round and, when it comes
Of CAPPS to rest, the card at this position is placed into
the small stand, back towards the audience.
This is repeated twice more.
The Circle of Cards is then turned around
and the spectator is asked to open the envelope
and call out the cards therein. The performer
turns the cards around in the small stand, by
DIAG. 2 taking all three cards in each division as one,
and of course this brings into view the con-
cealed cards, which can be removed and given
to the helper, if so desired.
I hope all this is clear, and, as in the past, I
am always at your service. Some Magicians
may care to dispense with the spinning hand,
and of course this makes the manufacture of tbe
exhibit the pack and fan the bottom cards, and, stand much easier. If desired, two circles can
to an audience, it does look as if you are be used, an inner and an outer. In this case,
showing all the faces. You can, of course, run the performer uses a blackboard pointer and
them from hand to hand, etc. points to various cards, going round the circle,
The beauty of this pack is that the three up, down and across, in fact anywhere, and the
cards can be forced in the fairest way possible spectator is asked to say "Stop" at any time.
(as if this is possible). Any number can be called The card at which the performer is then point-
from 1 - 52 and the cards can be given to the ing at this precise time, is the one, etc., and I
caller to count down to the number and then to am not too sure that this is not the better
take the next three. There is one rule to re- method as it does maintain a psychological
member, and that is, with the pack as set up connection.

A Dice Divination
BY BILL DAUKES, M.M.C.
(The effect was shown and described at the Magic Circle on \9th September, 1955)
PLOT shown on all sides to the audience. A crystal,

T HREE large differently coloured dice and

a partitioned box to contain them are
examined by a committee from the
cushion and perspex tray are then examined and
the performer places them back on the table,
giving the box of dice back to the committee.
He then proceeds to gaze into the crystal and
audience who place the dice in the box in any
order and any way up they like. They lock the tell the order of the dice and the number upper-
box and take out the key. The box is then most on each, a member of the audience seeing
43
the number on the third dice in the crystal for the face and an edge or corner, the sideways
himself. On the committee's opening the box ones (blue) being inserted across the line from
the audience can see that the performer has told the corner to the centre to distinguish it from
the order and numbers correctly. the "4" magnet. (Fig. 2, pink and blue).
PRINCIPLE Put some plastic wood into each hole and
The dice contain indicator magnets which push the magnets in till they are flush with the
attract iron filings to the under side of a perspex surface, filling any depressions left with plastic
tray on which the dice are stood for a short wood. Leave the plastic wood bulging slightly
time. When the dice are lifted away the filings to allow for a little shrinkage when drying for
fall back on to the table keeping the pattern which 48 hours should be allowed to ensure its
they formed when attracted by the magnets. being absolutely hard.
This pattern is then interpreted into the order When the plastic wood is quite hard sand
and numbers by the performer (Fig. 1.). down the sides and edqes finishing with 00
PROPERTIES
paper (powder paper). If a pin is now driven
into one of the corners of each the dice can be
Three three-inch cubes of some hardwood are hung up for painting and varnishing. I used
prepared with thirty \" X -fa" cylindrical bar "Starlon" paint, a plastic paint in tubes which
magnets as follows: — Number-indicating leaves no brush marks (it can be bought from
magnets are put into all dice in a way which "Hobbies" at 1/- per tube). After the first coat
can be easily memorised. Use the magnets has dried sand it down again with 00 paper and
end on for the low numbers 1, 2 and 3 and put on another coat (and a third if necessary).
sideways on for the high numbers. Number You now have your three dice prepared and
one has a central spot so to indicate "one" drill with their three colours but no pips. For the
a hole with a \" drill on the opposite side of the pips I used black X-ray paper (the paper used
die from the side which will have the one spot. for wrapping X-ray films) and having folded
This hole is drilled in the very centre of that this into eight I bored the little discs out with a
face. "Two" has two spots near the middle of \" cork borer. You will have to check (by the
two sides so drill the hole for this halfway along use of ironfilings)how many pips go on each side
one side. Three has two of its spots in corners (remembering that the pips go on the opposite
of the face so drill a hole in a corner. These face to the one that has their magnet). The pips
holes should be drilled just a fraction over \" are stuck on with gum and the dice are then
deep and for 2 and 3, be set in \" from the side varnished, with any colourless varnish, includ-
to prevent magnetic effects on the neighbouring ing the pips.
face. For the sideways magnets chisel holes just
over •£" long, J" deep and £" wide. Five is the The box is the expensive item as it has to be
only high number with a spot in the middle so well made with three compartments separated
chisel a hole for it in the centre of its face (same by i " plywood. I got a joiner to make it for me
position as the drilled hole for number one). Six (Fig. 3). The only trick about the box is that the
is the only one with a spot half way along a bottom is made of TV' plywood which is com-
side so chisel a hole half way along a side for pletely disguised by being countersunk in the
it. This leaves four for which a hole should be sides so that its thickness cannot be seen (Fig.
chiselled in a corner, the long axis pointing to 4). It is bradded and glued to the partitions so
the centre of that face (this is to distinguish it that pressure on it does not give away how
from one of the colour-indicating magnets. See thin it is. The box should be made of a good
Fig. 2 white). To avoid confusion it is best to wood -J" thick and made just the size to hold
pencil on each face the number to go on that the dice with \" partitions between them and no
face and then to make the hole for its magnet more, thus the overall length of the box should
on the opposite face, e.g. the hole to take the be 3 X 3" (dice) + i" (2 partitions) + 1" (ends
magnet which will show the number five is cut of the box) = 10J". The box is provided with a
on the side which will actually have the two lock and key. I number the compartments by
spots on it, and vice-versa. painting 1, 2 and 3 on the lid opposite the
respective compartments.
Colour-indicating magnets should now be put
in. White does not need one so only one magnet The next item is the perspex tray. This is
is present on each face. If your other colours made by buying a square foot of T V perspex
are, say, pink ?nd blue, use end on magnets for and cutting away two neighbouring sides to
pink and sideways on magnets for blue. These make it 10^" square (each side the length of
should be set in halfway between the centre of the box). From the perspex you have cut away,

44
 • • • NOTE rf!SBETTER,WH£N

MAGNET
WHITE • •
USING TWO MAGNETS CLOSE
TOGETHER, TOPUTS/MILAR
POLES WARM ONEANOTH-
ER JMCE THUS TWO SEP-
ARATE MTTERNSAREPW
• •
PERSPEX TRAY
PINK •• • •
• 01/CEP.
/£TN£ TWO OPPOS/TE
POLES AP£N£Afi ONE
ANOTHER THE PATT-
£RNS T£NO TO PUN
• « • TOGETHER WHfCH MAY
BLUE • • • • •
PRODUCE COA/fUS/ON
/ V PEAO/NG
•
FIGH

LID
NOTE: ENLARGED^, BOX & DIE
OMITTED FOR CLARITY. WHEN =S=
BOTTOM OF BOX.
MAGNET IS LIFTED AWAY FILINGS 1/16* PLYWOOD COUNTERSUNK INTO
DROP BACK IN A CLUMP WITH A BOX
SIDES. 4 BRADS FIXING BOTTOM TO
CLEAR AREA AROUND ON TABLE PARTITIONS ARE SHOWN.
FIG.I FIG.DI BOX OPEN-PLAN FIG.IV
AUDIENCE
o (0)
© A-BANDC-D-IO'/V.
(C) A - C AND BVD ~ THE LENGTH DOES
NOT MATTER AND THE SQUARES
OTHER THAN THE TWO ROWS AT
EACH END NEED NOT BE ACCURATELY
RULED.
THE HATCHING IS NOT SCORED ON
THE TABLE - IT JUST INDICATES IN
© © THE DIAGRAM THE POSITIONS OF THE
THREE DICE WHEN IN THE BOX AND
PLAN CORRECTLY PLACED ON TRAY ON
TABLE.
THE CIRCLES ROUND THE EDGE OF
THE TABLE SHOW THE POSITIONS
SECTION UNDER THE TABLE TOP OF THE
(A)
DOTTED PAPER DISCS.
PERSPEX TRAY © ©

FIG.V FIG.VI MARKINGS ON TABLE

AUDIENCE

TABLE
BOX
BLACKBOARD

^ . -CUSHION PLACED 7T
^ F O R W A R D ON TRAY
(A) WHERE COMMITTEE STAYS IN AUDIENCE
CRYSTAL
AUDIENCE
IRON RUNGS ON
"" TABLE

TRAY ACCURATELY
PLACED ON MARK-
INGS ON TABLE

(B) WHERE COMMITTEE COMES ON THE STAGE

A/OT£: TH£ COMA4/TT££ fS AT THE BACK Of THE STAGE SO
POSITION OF APPARATUS AT START Elf* \ /TIT ™AT YWAV£ YOUR BACK TO THEM WHtU THEY ARRANGE
llVj.ViLL THE DfCE AND YVU TALK TO THE AUDi£NCE.

45
cut four strips •£" wide and fix them with pers- corner. They should be set about -J" to 1" in
pex cement (ethylene chloride with a small from the edge and are thus easily located by
piece of perspex dissolved in it) to the edge on touch for removal.
one side of the main sheet (Fig. 5). Made like Sprinkle iron filings evenly over the two rows
this, with the tray inverted on the table with the of H " squares furthest from the audience, this
hollow downwards, if the box is placed on it at is best done by pouring some iron filings into
one end with three of its sides exactly on three four thicknesses of gauze and tapping it
of the sides of the tray the walls of the box will through.
be covering the rim and the dice will be over
the hollow. Place the perspex tray downwards over this
so that its outer edges register with the three
If perspex is rubbed or polished it develops outer lines of the pattern nearest you (furthest
static electricity which will attract the iron from the audience). Place the cushion on the
filings which are on the table and so ruins the tray nearest the audience leaving room to put
trick. This is easily overcome by polishing with the box down behind it later. Put the crystal on
" anti - static cream " purchasable at Ely's the cushion. Place the box on the table in front
Plastics, Islington, for 1/- for a small pot. of the cushion (nearer audience) with the lock
The table top is important. Owing to the facing the audience.
sides of two of the dice having two' magnets The lay-out and the stage lay-out are shown
exact location of them is important. Rule a line in Figs. 7 and 8.
round the table top making its width the exact One most important point is lighting. You
length of the outside of the box, then rule an- need a briqht top light rather in front of you.
other line i " inside this. The distance across, To have all diffuse coloured lights makes seeing
between the two inner lines should now be just the pattern of the iron filings most difficult.
about 9", the width of 3 dice side by side (you
can ignore the partitions). Now rule the space PRESENTATION
inside this rectangle into \\" squares (i.e. four
per die). Now score all these lines deeply and Ask for a volunteer to do a little crystal
paint the table top with blackboard paint which gazing.
will leave it with a dull surface. The table top Lift box off table and open it displaying the
should appear as Fig. 6. The lines will simply dice, take them out 1of the box and show them.
look like a little unobtrusive decoration to any- Take them down to the audience and ask three
one seeing itt but the black effectively hides the or four people sitting together to act as a com-
iron filings from anything but a close scrutiny. mittee and give them the box. Go back to the
The height of the table should be such that the stage and ask the committee to examine the box
seated committee cannot see the upper surface and the dice and when they are satisfied to put
and you can gaze into the crystal comfortably the dice in the box in any order they like any
while standing. way up they like, then to lock the box and take
Other requirements are a crystal, a black the key out. They should remember the order
velvet cushion (about 6" square), iron filings, a and the numbers.
blackboard and chalk, six of the black paper While this is beinq done turn away from
discs as used for the spots on the dice but with them and explain to the audience that as each
white spots from 1-6 painted on them, and die has six sides there are 6 X 6 X 6 positions
some black plasticine (ordinary plasticine with the three dice could be in irrespective of order
a little vegetable black—obtainable from a and as there are three colours there are six
colour merchant—mixed in with it). orders the dice could be in multiplying the first
result by another 6 making 1296 possible
PREPARATION positions and therefore the odds against getting
Put a small dab of the black plasticine on the the complete combination correct by chance
back o^ each of the little dotted discs and stick 1295 to 1. By this time the dice should be
them face upwards to the underside of the table, in the box. Take the box back to the stage
smearing the plasticine over the edge of the and display it on all sides to the audience. Now
discs on to the underside of the table, 1 at the "casually" place it on the table for the moment
far corner of the table on the left as you face while you start to say that you now want the
the audience, 2 halfway down the left side of "crystal together with its cushion examined",
the table, 3 at the nearer left hand corner, 4 at take them to the audience and go back.
the further right hand corner, 5 halfway down Continue, "and this perspex tray with which I
the right side and 6 at the nearer right hand am going to insulate the crystal from all possible

46
 outside influences". This is the most critical hold the table top while you say that now you
moment of the show. You have to appear casual are going to see if your assistant can manage
as you put the box down but in point of fact it to read the number in the crystal. While you
must be done most carefully. Hold the box. with say this you are locating the appropriate disc
the lock towards you, in both hands with the and sliding it off stuck by the plasticine to your
fingers below the ends of the box. Feel with the first finger. With that hand, (right or left
tips of the fingers for the tray, being careful according to whether it is a high or low num-
not to move it. When you have located it, ber), pick up the crystal and go to your assis-
helped by a casual glance, put the box straight tant. Explain to him that as he is new to crystal
down so that the edges of the box exactly gazing you don't expect him to see the black
coincide with the near edges of the tray. Be dots on a coloured ground, he is more likely to
very careful not to slide it: if you do you will see it like a photographic negative i.e. white
blur the pattern of the iron filings. dots on a dark background. First of all hold the
Pick up crystal and cushion and pass them for crystal in front of his eyes so that the paper
examination. Go back and pick up the box with disc is underneath and he cannot see it. Move
one hand, lifting it straight up. Again it must it closer to his eyes so that he cannot focus and
not slide. Pick up the tray with the other hand at the same time turn it so that the disc is the
being careful not to disturb the iron filings. The other side of the crystal from his eyes and he
"trick" is now done, the rest is showmanship. can see it when you move it away again. He
Give the box back to the committee and the tray will then say the number he sees. Leave the
to someone else to examine. crystal with him to examine again while you
write the number on the board, disposing of
Recover tray, cushion and crystal. Put the the disc in the most convenient manner for you.
tray on the table just in front of the iron filings
(two nearest rows of squares), put the cushion Have the box brought up and opened, hold
on it as near to you as possible and the crystal it near the board so that everyone can compare
on that. This positioning is so that you will the colours and numbers with what you have
appear to be looking in the crystal though in written.
point of fact you are looking at the table behind
it. Take a quick look to get the colour patterns
first and see that you have them accurately. (We believe that this is the first time the
Then start at No. 1, the four left hand squares, principle of picking up iron filings and dropping
ask the committee to put their hands on the box them to leave an informative pattern has been
and concentrate on the dice in compartment one. used for magical purposes. Colonel Daukes
Say the colour and write its letter (P for pink would be very interested to hear from anyone
etc.) on the blackboard, go back and read the who knows another example of it. He would
number, write that on the board. The same for also welcome criticism and comments—other
compartment two. When you come to compart- than that the modus operandi is complicated, he
ment three say that of course that leaves only already knows this I We are extremely grateful
one colour. Apparently look in the crystal to to him for allowing us to print the full details of
confirm it but actually read the number. Write the effect in the CIRCULAR, for the basic prin-
up the colour. Go* back to the table and casually ciple allows of many varied uses. ED.)

Whereas the previous tie faithfully disported

MAGIC CIRCLE TIES the Badge of the Magic Circle, it was found
to be too pronounced a design for wearing at
Dinners or the more sober occasions of social life. A new design, therefore, has been approved
by the Council. It is a very wearable tie, and is only conspicuous by4ts unostentatiousness.
The Silk Ties at 17/6 each can be obtained either in Dark Blue with Pale Blue Symbols, or
in Plum Red with Gold Symbols.

Orders by post should be sent direct to : TONY BRANSON, M.I.M.C., 9 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent.
Ties may be obtained in the Clubroom from: COLIN DONISTER, M.I.M.C., Hon. Librarian.

47
 H. M. HAMILTON-HEINKE

A S his oldest friend in the Magic Circle

I would like to pay tribute to the
memory of Harry Heinke, Over 50
years ago I spent most of my Sundays
with him and his first wife and together
we went to the C,A,A, Concerts at the
Criterion when Charles Bertram was
President*
Heinke was a very keen amateur con-
jurer. Hail-fellow-well-met, he amused
hosts of business acquaintances with his
sleight of hand.
He was a leading member of the
Eccentric Club and of Will Goldston's
Magicians' Club where we had many
happy nights together. He was also a
familiar figure at the Circle Banquets
when he would usually bring about a
dozen guests.
His latter years were clouded by ill
health but his courage and good spirits
kept him going despite a very severe
physical handicap. His end was a happy
release from his suffering,
I shall often think of those early days
and I mourn a very dear friend,
HERBERT J, COLLINGS,

T HE Wand of the Great Magician has

touched Harry Hamilton-Heinke who
passed away at the W e s t m i n s t e r
Hospital on November 1st, after having a
times we spent together in my office talking
magic, whilst the shells were passing overhead.
He was the first Vice-President of the Magi-
stroke. cians* Club and remained in that position to its
end.
He was Cremated ?t Kingston on November In the Army together with no pecuniary gain
9th, The Magic Circle of which he was one soon knew one's friends, I can say nothing
M,I,M,C, was represented by its President but good of Harry Hamilton-Heinke, and I shall
Herbert J, Collings, Dr, O, H, Bowen and Paul miss him more than words can express.
Freeman,
In business he was most successful and had
He had been a friend of mine for over 40 he selected magic as his profession he would I
years. W e were together for over a year during am sure have made a big name.
the 1914-18 War—he was in the Honourable
Artillery Company and I was in the Royal Magic has lost one of its most ardent ad-
Garrison Artillery, The H,A.C, were attached mirers and the Magic Circle a staunch Member,
to our Depot at Harfleur and many were the CHRIS CHARLTON,

48
 As we go to press we hear with sorrow of the death of Mrs. Donister after a long illness. Our
deep sympathy goes to our Hon. Librarian at this sad time.
The interment took place at the City of London Cemetery, Manor Park, on Friday, November 25th,
and the Magic Circle was represented by Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Swaine, Mr. Norman Cooper and
Mr. John Young.
Mrs. Donister was a staunch worker for the Church Army and her unremitting service on its behalf
extended over a period of no less than 24 years. Her self-effacing personality was such that few of the
members were aware of the extent of her work for the Magic Circle and its Library. During the past
two months at the London Hospital she was in constant pain and her husband spent every available
moment at her bedside. We are the poorer for the loss of a kindly, gentle and Christian friend.

Articles
News and Views about Magic from Half Way
Round the World
(Our thanks to our two overseas members Nigel Burrage and Supt. Owen Griffiths for their
most interesting articles and our good wishes to them for a very happy Christmas and a
Prosperous New Year. It is rewarding to know that the Magic Circular attracts contributions
from all over the world. ED.)

A History of Magic in Japan

(From an "original" translation of the original Japanese)

F OREIGN Magician who come to Japan at

first was Dr. H. S. Lynn, British. No-one
know about his boyhood days. Some be-
lieve that his true name was Simons and his
Queen Victoria, Third of Naporeen, Mikado of
Japan, Sultan of Turkey, Second Alexandria of
Russia and Wilhelm of Germany.
In 1866, Japanese top-player and juggler of
native place was Lipstol. (Phonetically Rippu- "Buttlerfly Trick" was employed by Benkotsu
sutoru). When he was asked about his native (American) and went over to America. No. 13
place, he used to answer "My home is Earth, Gensui Matsui and Kikujiro Matsui could spin
everybody know about me", At first he entered a large top lightly, weight of which about 601bs.
to the British Navy and offed 1861. Then he
became a pupil of Dr. Snow who old magician. " Tenchihatsuseimishikago "
He made a provincial tour with Dr. Snow to the (Presumably meaning the Chicago Convention)
Australia, Japan, China and South districts. At Magician take off many things from bottom-
last, he went to the America and associated with less box. Yanagawa Chojyuro played "Butter-
the humorist Artemus Ward. fly Trick". Namigori Sumida and his wife
While Dr. Lynn was at Nagasaki, he learned Koman were players of doll. They played
many Japanese jugglery. One of these, spin a "Butterfly Trick" and "Top playing" at
top on the one string line. Top playing began at London, Sanmalton Hall and Furoral (Floral)
Hakata (in Kyushu, the Southernmost Island of Hall in February 1867.
Japan). In these days, there was an old magician Chojyuro Yanagawa backed to Japan and
in Europe...Anllian Peppercorn, billed as "The assumed the name of Ichiyosi Yanagawa the
Jap of Japs", who was born in London 1847 Second. Magic of "Cutting ones Head" which
and died at Chicaga 1891. He said "The famous he brought back to Japan in 1869 is still playing
buffon Mr. Governelli is my cousin". His coun- some time at present. This idea originated with
tenance looks like a Japanese and he used to Mr. Thorn Tobin of the London Polytechnic
wear Eastern style. He belonged to the certain Institute in 1865. Some Mirror were applied for
Japanese group and played in the presence of "Magic of cutting One's Head".
49
 The following Magic was opened to the (4) Sow seed and covered with something
Public in October in 1865 by Colonel Stodare: on it. Soon take off the cover and there are some
"Magics of London". flowers opening.
(1) Player cut off hen's head, then he joins (5) Magic of making snow in hot room.
two things together with some medicines and (6) Cut off a bird's head, then join two
blows water upon the hen. By and by, the hen, things together.
which was cut off his head, comes back to life (7) Magic of taking one's loin cloth. (!)
and moves his wings. (8) Magic of walking on the ceiling with
(2) Player sow seed of grass on ground. one's shoes.
The grass begin to bud soon. (9) Someone load a gun and shoot against
(3) Cut off a belt and join two parts to- the Magician. He catch a bullet with his mouth
gether. (between tooth).
According to the explanation of a magic expert Everyone who saw these magics were surprised
these magics of cutting head, seed and belt can by these novel designs and some of them are
be found in the books of Eastern. still playing at present.
It seems old Eastern Magic was changed as About 1887 is called the time of mingling
European Style. In Accordance to the fashion of magic of Japan and Europe. Up to about 1877, >
European magic, some of Japanese Magician there was nothing of any new inclination and/
very afraid that our magic cannot stand oppo- or movement about Japanese magics. In 1888,
site of European in future. Japanese magic made great phenomenal
progress.
Tachikawa Kinryusai kept out of sight him- It was natural that peoples of these days
self for a while and made out plan of *'Obtain thought the Magic as a light performance, so
anything from all directions within one mile"... that these days Magician found very hard to r
If sightseer write name of any good which exist
bound within one mile, he can obtain that any- get playing at the place such as some exhibition.
one-pointed-out good from Magic Box on the According to the newspaper of Tokyo Nichi-
table of the Stage, as if a fox bring anything to nichi of 7th May, 1888, a statement is as
the Stage. follows:
European Magics were transmitted to Japan "Mr. Shoichi Kitensai, the founder of
by the following three methods: European Magics, has got permission for
the playing some magic at the place of
(1) Japanese player, who had been to exhibition of art and crafts, as a side-show.
Europe, brought back to Japan. In explanation of the above application, he
(2) Some magics were transmitted by Mr. went to the Overseas Countries with some
Hal Black and Mr. John Malcolm. Japanese magics and played there, but he was
(3) One or two instruction books. overwhelmed with shame at his infantile show.
In these times, about forty kinds of European Then he learned Overseas magic and came to
magic were transmitted to Japan and the main Japan".
ones were as follows: (TO BE CONTINUED.)
(1) Cutting One's Head. (Our thanks to Nigel G. Burrage for having
(2) One's Thumb draw out from Hoop— this article translated for us by one of his junior
piled up one's both thumbs and tied up together, Japanese clerks. As he says, the English is so
then pass the hoop without untie. picturesque it would be a pity to correct it! His
(3) Magic of calling a live Ghost in the air. own explanatory comments are in italics. ED.)

Chinese Magic
BY O. O. GRIFFITHS, M.M.C.
INTRODUCTION most important if there are likely to be any real
Chinese in your audience.
I F you are thinking of doing your magic in a
Chinese setting, especially if you are com-
ing out to the Far East, there are several
Do's and Dont's to be kept in mind if you wish
And that is not impossible, either. Recently,
in America, Harry Baker introduced his
Chinese trick and asked for the assistance of
to be the life and soul of the party. They are two Chinese boys—never expecting to get them;

L
and then asked for the assistance of any two stage setting, they laughed loud and long every
boys from the audience. He started to explain time he spoke, as his Indian accent is very
the origin of the effect; then, from the rear of different from the way English is spoken here.
the room, came two Chinese tots and really Clear, un-dialected English will be easily
cute. After gaining his wits, he asked for two understood,
chairs so that the guests of honour could have
a front-row seat. MAKE-UP
Moral of this is, never joke about anything You will find some good advice in "A Book
unless you are absolutely sure it can't happen, of Make-up" by Eric Ward (published by
Samuel French, 5/-), He gives his very sound
CHINESE ideas on what the basis of a good Chinese make-
My father, who was last in China in 1908, up should not be:
always uses the term * Chinamen', And one "In suggesting a scheme for Mongolian
sometimes hears them referred to as 'Chinks'— types, I am anxious to warn the artist against
the tone of the voice indicating whether the use of pure yellow as a foundation. It is
ignorance or ofFensiveness is the cause. frequently my lot to witness performances
The Chinese are a most proud race, and the where these types are represented with faces
English-speaking ones are inclined to be over- like lemons, I have lived for considerable
sensitive. So I advise you to follow their custom, periods among these races, during which time
which has gained in importance out here in I have taken pains to study their characteris-
Singapore since the War, and refer to them as tics, and I find this error detracts a great deal
'Chinese', from the realism and general effect of a show.
Some years ago a very good story was In many cases the skin of these peoples is
current in the Metropolitan Police of the Special whiter than our own; this is very noticeable
Constable in the blackout, who saw a chink of among women and children and those who
light coming from a badly-screened window. He are not greatly exposed to the action of the
knocked at the door, and told the lady of the sun (which accounts for much of the coppery
house: "Good evening, madam, there's a chink shades seen among the lower classes)."
showing at your upstairs window/' "Oh, no!" A moderate sun-tan gives the right effect.
she replied, "he is a Brazilian, and a very nice
gentleman, too," That one would definitely not DRESS
be appreciated here, The dress worn by stage magicians is usually
SPEECH those of Mandarins (who used to be the
Governors of Provinces in China prior to the
Many people think that a Chinese speaking Revolution in 1912). You will find a very good
English uses the "You likee flied egg, pliz" illustration of this style in the photo on page 56
style. With modern education, nothing is of 'Magic by Ho Yam* (Fleming Book Co,,
further from the truth. 20/-).
Some time ago, an Englishman was seated Chinese men have not worn 'pig-tails' for the
next to a Chinese at a diplomatic banquet in past 40 years, which will save you trouble,
London, As each course was brought on, the
Englishman turned to his neighbour, pointed at RELIGION
the food and asked: "You likee? velly good, Much of the ready-made patter put out with
hah?" The Chinese smiled politely and replied: effects involves references to 'Chinese Priests'.
"Oh, velly much likee," In due course the Sonte Chinese do not like this, as they are
Toastmaster called upon His Excellency the followers of the Buddhist and Taoist religions.
Chinese Ambassador to make a speech, Dr, To avoid giving offence, call them 'Hermits' or
Wellington Koo, as the Chinese turned out to 'Wise old men',
be rose to his feet and made a very witty speech
in perfect English. On resuming his seat, he PROPS
smilingly turned to his neighbour and asked: Remember that a real Chinese magician uses
"You likee, pliz?" Well ! a fan instead of a wand; and the more prettily
The Chinese are a somewhat impassive race, decorated, the better. In this be has the advan-
and rarely laugh or applaud magicians. The tage over his Western colleague, as it affords
Great Sorcar got most of his laughs against fine misdirection—and a lot of quick 'monkey
himself—when he appeared here a couple of business' can go on behind an open gently-
years ago. Although dressed in the most waving fan. When not in use, close it up and
majestic robes and with impressive Chinese stick it behind your neck in the collar.

51
 The Chinese lettering—and so-called ones— appreciated : the electrical connections required,
on props bought from dealers are poor. The together with a method of combining the
writing on the 'Chinese Wishing Papers', for Japanese lanterns with a production of flowers
example, reads 'Japanese goods*—somebody has and silks, is given in 'Ireland's Year Book for
taken Max Andrews for a ride here! Memories 1934' (called 'Three Oriental Boxes'),
of the Japanese Occupation in the Far East are Many Chinese use playing-cards about the
still too tender. Instead, I show below a couple size of a cigarette-card, with designs in Chinese
of illustrations that excite gasps of pleasure at characters. Those who do play with Western
their aptness: cards do not usually use our names for the
Suits: so don't be surprised, when you ask for
the name of their chosen card, to be told "Red
fruit" (Hearts), "Black fruit" (Spades),
''Squares" (Diamonds) or "Seeds" (Clubs),
There is a dearth of good magicians here in
Malaya, and you will find that the Classics of
Magic are almost unknown. Good, flashy
effects, with a minimum of talking, go down
well. The Miser's Dream, Linking Rings, Rice
Bowls, Chinese Wands, Rabbit productions and
vanishes, Trunk escapes, are all winners, 'Dr,
Chang' (Sherman Ripley) contributes some
very effective Chinese-style effects in 'Genii*,
Rather than use the dealer's table which
shows a pigtailed Chinese holding the table-top
on his head, you would be better advised to use
the tables showing colourful dragons breathing
fire, or a Rabbit-in-Hat,
CONCLUSION
My friend Tan Hock Chuan, M,M,C> fre-
Fig. 1. Fig. 2. quently says: "Magic is International", There
are no tricks which are the exclusive property
Figure (1) reads "Welcome", while Figure (2) of Chinese magicians.
says "Happiness", If you want to1 get the most appreciation from
a Chinese audience, just remember:
Dragon silks (if you can get them), and (a) Let the setting have a colourful Chinese
Japanese lacquer-work trays and boxes induce motif;
the correct atmosphere. Do not, like one Chinese (b) Don't talk too much, and then keep the
magician I have just had the misfortune to plot simple; and
watch, produce six loaves of latex bread and
six bottles of beer—instead, 'The Feast of (c) Be careful not to give offence.
Lanterns' (Modern Magic, p, 395) is more Good conjuring I

Pertinent Comment
BY CHARLES EVANS, M.M,C.

"On Invention"

W AY back in March 1954, I rushed into

print an Article under the title "Tricks
with a Difference", Assuming that a
few brother Magicians read the Article, I have
Several times during recent months I have
discussed the subject of invention with acquain-
tances who suffer from the Magic Complex,
Not being members of "The Magic Circle" they
often wondered whether any of them became had not of course read my Article but were
fired with the ambition of turning out a trick nevertheless all in agreement that the ability to
which they could call their very own. invent is shared by very few, and that those
52
capable of invention must be specially gifted Now an example. For the purpose of ttiis
that way. Article I went through the routine and this is
Well, somebody or other once said that "y° u how it eventually worked out. It isn't a brilliant
never know what you can do until you try" and example but it does show that the system works.
I think that that is the proper approach to this "The prop specified was a rubber ball
subject. Let's try. about two inches in diameter, one of a num-
First of all it is not desirable to try and turn ber used for a production trick. The props
out a trick that differs in every way from any- brought down were: a glass, a silk and—
thing hitherto produced. Anyway you wouldn't probably designed to stump me—a sheet of
succeed because whatever you think up, it's paper from a writing pad (used for making
bound to cut across something already thought out programmes). I tried several times with-
of unless you are a genius, and in that case you out success, but out of it all came the follow-
ought to be earning your corn at a more lucra- ing trick.
tive game than Magic. Therefore I suggest that The sheet of paper was formed into a tube
at first you confine yourself to putting a twist and fastened with paper fasteners. The glass
of your own on a standard trick either by add- was placed on the table and covered with the
ing another prop or substituting one of the tube. The ball was dropped into the glass
props used by another of your own choosing. and the tube covered with the silk. Passes
Those dozens of small props and accessories were made with the hand over the glass and
that you never use but which you can always the silk commenced to rise, forming the
stumble across when you are looking for some- shape of the ball. When the silk had risen
thing you need but cannot lay hold of are just about two inches above the height of the
the things to play about with. Naturally you glass the other hand reached underneath and
will give up several times, but being a Magician removed the ball, whereupon the silk col-
you just have to have something magical to lapsed in a heap. The ball was replaced
fiddle around with in your leisure moments, so in the glass after the glass had been shown
keep trying and you are bound to get some- empty by the removal of the tube. The silk
where in the end. was again placed over the tube and the
Another method. This is a good one and passes again made, but when the silk rose
always pays a dividend if you play straight and above the glass for the second time it
master the temptation to cheat. suddenly collapsed without any sign of the
Send your wife or one of your offspring up ball. The tube was lifted and the glass re-
into your Den of Magic. Specify one prop mained on the table—empty".
which you haven't used for months or years and Not entirely new you say? Well, I do not
tell your collaborator to bring down three small suppose it is. Just another levitation trick.
props of their own choosing. The props having Agreed, but if you have ever seen this particular
arrived lay them out on the mat, relax in the routine put over I'll eat my feather bouquets.
most comfortable chair in the room and start to
think. Your furrowed brow and look of intense Anyway I warned you it wasn't brilliant, but,
concentration may bring forth uncalled-for re- I assure you of this: — It has been tried out
marks, but worry not! The germ of an idea will and it works, which I suppose is more than one
soon come, but even if it takes a long time, can say about hundreds of the routines inflicted
whatever you do please do not give up without on the long-suffering patrons of the Magical
a struggle. books turned out every year.

'On Prediction"

W E are not, thank goodness, all cast in the

same mould. How true this is in the
case of Magicians who, I think, fall
Magical taste and are prepared to defend their
brand of Wizardry to the limit. Rightly so.
I like nothing better at a Magical get-together
into more categories than most classes. The than to see a variety of acts, and nothing bores
branches of Magic are many and each branch me more than to see a succession of Wizards
has its devotees who swear by their particular all turning out the same type of stuff. To my
53
 mind all non-competitive performers at Con- audience were astounded. At least those still
ventions and like gatherings should have to awake said they were. I wonder!
send in their programmes in advance. Any two As I said earlier on, everybody to his taste,
presenting the same type of act—one of them but I wonder if it is worth while playing about
out with postcards etc., and getting the audience to
Now about this diversity of taste. Likes and write down numbers.
dislikes naturally exist and I feel that some of Just one other instance. A Magician per-
the dislikes are justified. Therefore I propose to suaded two members of the audience to stand
expand somewhat regarding one particular dis- on the stage and play about with some Jumbo
like not only of myself but of many of the long- cards. Eventually, through carrying out his
suffering public who, having paid their money instructions—issued by the way from the middle
have to take what is coming to them. of the hall, each assistant was left with a single
"PREDICTION". That's it. Prediction. card. The performer then wrote a prediction on
Now this type of show means writing things his slate, and, believe it or not (this is going to
down on pieces of paper, having numbers kill you) the performer had written down on the
totalled up—subtracted etc., etc., all leading to slate the names of the actual cards held by the
a stunning climax that only misses the mark Assistants.
because only half of the audience is awake— Was I thrilled? Well, to tell the truth I was
and they have long ago forgotten how the trick so busy trying to remember what number One
started and what has really been accomplished. Assistant was doing as opposed to number Two,
and they trying to follow the Wizard's routine
Let me illustrate the case of the "Dizzy that I gave up, sat back, and just watched the
Deceptionist". Assistants earning the performer his fee on the
From a couple of tables stacked with post- stage.
cards he selected about ten cards, and buzzed There it is. As you have probably gathered I
around the first six rows handing them around. am not terribly keen on Prediction effects. They
A pile of pencils sticking out of his pocket take too long and they require too much concen-
covered anyone without a lead. So back to the tration on the part of the audience. Finally, the
stage after a two minute absence and then a Magician's place is on the stage. If you tell me
quiet three minutes giving the low down on that first-class professionals get down amongst
what the "D.D." was going to do—and by the the audience you still leave me cold, and as far
way we might keep a check on these minutes as Assistants are concerned, I do not believe in
because minutes are precious to a Magician. letting them do too much work. The more the
Now on with the trick. "Will number One audience see of Assistants the less they see of
kindly write down a four-figure number (pause) the Magician—which, according to my way of
thank you, I shall also write down a four- thinking, is wrong. Very wrong.
figure number and now will number Two
etc thank you I shall now also etc
(pause), and so on up to number Ten, AND, I Degree Jewels & Magic Circle Blocks
nearly forgot—down goes another five minutes The " JEWEL" worn by members at Circle functions
on our time check. and when performing in public; comprises a bar,
Well, we are nearly there now, and it only ribbon and medallion of appropriate colour—blue for
M.M C. degree; white for A.I.M.C. degree; and red
remains for the "D.D." to leave the stage, col- for M.I.M.C.
lect the postcards, return to the stage, add the M.M.C. - 10/6 each, post paid.
numbers up, pass his card to a member of the A.I.M.C. - 14/-each „ „
audience to add up, AND FINALLY to M.I.M.C. - 14/-each „ „
announce to the audience the total of the cards Coat Button Badges, 2/6 each, post paid.
he has collected from his assistants and which BADGE LINE BLOCKS (for printing purposes)—
naturally coincides with the total of his own f" and J" dia. Either size—Price 3/6 each, post paid.
card which a hot and bothered (apparently not NOTE.—Enquiries and remittances for Badges and
clerically minded) member of the audience has Blocks should be sent to the Hon. Deputy Secretary:
at last succeeded in adding up after two or M A C WILSON,
three false starts. 29 SHEPPERTQN ROAD, PETTS WOOD, KENT.

So where are we now? The last paragraph I CUFF LINKS.—Cuff Links incorporating the Badge
should mention, covered another four minutes. of the Society are available in the three colours of
the degrees. They are beautifully produced in gilt,
Let's check up two and three are five, five and make attractive links for dress or morning wear.
and five are ten, ten and four are fourteen. Not Gold Gilt and Enamel - £ 1 . 0 . 0
bad, or was it? Only fourteen minutes. The
54
 The Obliging Kettle
N exciting scene took place yesterday Mr. Devant at once called for a duster and
A during the performance of Maskelyne
and Devant's Mysteries at St. George's
Hall, Langham Place. While Mr. David Devant
wiped two glasses thoroughly out. He then
asked a couple of gentlemen what drinks they
would like him to pour from the kettle. One
was dispensing all kinds of drinks from that selected beer and another wine and they ex-
obliging little utensil, now becoming so widely pressed themselves thoroughly satisfied with
known as "The Mystic Kettle" a man shouted the drinks. The intruder then retired from the
from the back of the pit "Lets have a look at the theatre and the audience gave Mr. Devant a
glasses'*. Mr. Devant replied "all right" and very hearty round of applause.
handed a couple of glasses to an attendant to
take to the man. Almost immediately, however,
the interrupter had mounted the steps in front (This paragraph was found by Mr. George
of the stage and was standing by the side of the Facer, our esteemed member, who was Manager
astonished conjurer. Addressing the audience [or Maskelyne and Devant at St. George's Hall,
the man said that the glasses contained some whilst rearranging some books during his recent
essence. The audience, who cheered Mr. move to a new flat. He is sure that it is a copy
Devant, evidently strongly resented the conduct of a news item sent out to the Press by the
of the intruder for there were cries of "cad", Press Representative, Wellesley Pain, when
"shame", "rival conjurer" and "turn him out". such incidents arose. ED.)

Show Reports
'Prose and Con—Certs9
"Being a further account of Dr. Euston, his work MYSELF: And, sir, is it not also soft and gentle?
and words, among the magical fraternitie, as pre- EUSTON: Sir, aardvaark never hurt anybody.
serv'd and inscribed with loving care by his friend
& biographer. . . ." Mr. Tovenaar's quiet performance included a version
of the Floating Ball and the Multiplying Balls, a sur-
Saturday, June 11th. prise to our party who had expected "A Fantasy in
The season being now finished, we were left forlorn Bubbles" to be Sid Emons doing a strip-tease.
and sad, with a deep sense of loss, like the time Gwen Mr. ALLEN BENBOW now entertained us courte-
Voltaire cut her hair short. ously with the i>ie Box, the Cut-and-restored-tape,
Saturday, October 22nd. inventive manipulations with "tomatoes" and his superb
handling of the Organ Pipes so redolent of Christmas
The day which we have so long awaited is now here. and party-time. EUSTON: Here, sir, is the spectacle
Arriving at King George's Hall as the soiree began, we of a man wasting the golden fruits of his professional
were delighted to find Mr. Arthur Tatler already seated experience on a bunch of undeserving rascals! Mr.
at the pianoforte, playing a merry overture arranged Benbow still uses his famous magic spell as he has
for Jew's Harp and Scotsman's Purse. done for lo, these many years, and Dr. Euston and
Mr. DAVID VINCENT made a smiling first appear- myself would pay homage to this fine and thoughtful
ance to open this new series of Concerts, presenting a performer.
rope which he cut and restored; some cards which With two performances in one evening there is now
diminished and vanished; a little card jugglery and the no Interval and Dr. Euston commented on this. He
Linking Rings. said: "One needs plenty of time before the show to
Dr. Euston spoke favourably of this youthful perfor- make up for it."
mer, and pointed out on the Programme the words of "Yes, sir," I said, daringly, "Mr. John Young said the
David Devant: Magic Keeps One Young. (It's also same thing when he was asked to do his 'Devil' sketch
helped to keep one White, one Harbin and two Nixons. at the Festival." How we all laughed! However, in place
Even the Doctor is working now.) of an Intermission we were given Mr. HAROLD
Mr. JOSEPH STUTHARD was completely master of TAYLOR, looking more like June McComb than ever.
the ceremonies, joking with the professional moderation He had with him the Twentieth Century silks, the
and ease which only a lifetime on the Halls and four best cut-rope of the evening, some jokes, and the Max
minutes on Independent Television can give. He it was Sterling Egg. (This last is peculiarly and magically his
who introduced Mr. PIET TOVENAAR. This unusual own, although Mrs. Michael Bailey also knows how to
name, for the benefit of country members, is spelt make an Egg Flip.)
T-o-v-e-n as in "hot oven" and a-a-r as in "aardvaark." Following Mrs. Michael Bailey was Dr. Euston, and
I know this, for Dr. Euston and I discussed it. following Harold Taylor were BERNARD and Miss
EUSTON: Sir, an aardvaark is a small South African RADAR, their thought-reading apparatus laid out neatly
animal. upon two conjurer's tables which decorated the stage.

55
Chosen words were accurately divined and a duplicate one must suppose has improved his already effective
jigsaw puzzle as accurately reconstructed with similar passing of the big ring through the smaller, a ball trans-
pieces to those being placed by a volunteer assistant. position, the Warlock glass-penetration, and Mr.
Dr. Euston has confessed to me his dislike of what MacCarthy's own quick version of the Burnt Note.
it pleases him to call "mind-reading tricks," and although The major concluded with his impeccable production
I cannot share his violent feelings on this matter I am of four billiards balls, and as the curtains closed we filed
ever mindful of the words of Theodore Annemann, that out through the lock of Max Andrews' car on our way
there are indeed ". . . clever people to be found in the home.
audience as well as behind the footlights . . . a point The Doctor was heard to remark on the words of
which many magicians overlook." that other great philosopher, Dante, when he said:
At last it was our pleasure to welcome Mr. BRIAN ''Another thousand souls made happy."
MacCARTHY, he with his well-routined scientific patter Then, the night being young and Dr. Euston feeling
and well-chosen tricks so enjoyed by everyone. suddenly old, our party made its way to a nearby
Mr. MacCarthy, the Doctor thought, had suffered the tavern. . . .
hands of a professional producer upon his tricks, which G. D. H.

'A Magician in Moscow9

There was a very good attendance at the first of the packed and interested audience, and everywhere he
season's lectures held in the Theatre on Monday, Octo- appeared he found a fine reception.
ber 17th. Under the chairmanship of Herbert J. Collings, Of magic, and magicians in the U.S.S.R. Mr. King saw
HORACE KING talked of his recent experiences in little. He witnessed one performance by a magician in
Russia under the general title "A Magician in Moscow." an East German Circus and heard talk of another. The
Under the auspices of a cultural organisation, he was one act he did see performed all Western magic as we
one of a small party visiting Russia and spent nearly a know it and did nothing new. In an effort to trace
month investigating the state of the entertainment world any magicians and to find a Magic Club which he had
there and of magic and magicians in particular. been told about, HORACE KING went to the Ministry
of Culture. Here he conveyed the greeting of The Magic
Mr. King began his most interesting talk dressed in Circle to all Russian magicians. He was quite unable,
a typical Slavic dress and danced to the accompaniment however, to locate any magi. He asked for some photos,
of a full-blooded Russian male chorus. He then showed but, as yet, these have not reached him. Interesting
us pictures of the other delegates and we heard their information came from the Ministry's Entertainment
recorded voices giving impressions of the visit. We saw side; how, for instance, artists' salaries can never be
photographs, projected by the epidiascope, of the vast reduced, however old or bad their act may get; how
open-air theatres—called Summer Theatres—to be found "semi-professionals" are quite unknown in Russia; how
all over the U.S.S.R., and open when the city theatres artists and acts are trained by the State and how their
were closed "for holidays." We heard recordings of a props and costumes are owned by the Government; and
typical lady singer, a male singer, and a duet and also how, once they are trained to proficiency, the State
of a group of female comediennes. The lattei are very organise their tours and arrange all travelling facilities.
popular in Russia, where the ordinary people enjoy HORACE KING, with posters advertising his many
themselves vastly and have a great sense of humour. appearances draped round him, made it quite clear to
HORACE KING himself performed magic eight times us all that the Russians had a very good sense of
in all, including six professional shows, sometimes with humour, that they loved to laugh—and at the same
an interpreter, sometimes without, in places as far apart things at which we laugh here in Britain.
as Georgia (in the Caucasus Mountains), in Sukhumi, The audience showed their interest in this talk by
in Gagra (on the Black Sea coast), in Moscow, and in asking many questions and the Chairman expressed our
Leningrad. All the shows were arranged after his arrival thoughts when he said how much he had learnt about
in Russia. Items like Baffling Bunnies and The Rope Russia and Russian entertainment from Mr. King.
and Rings received great response from an always M. B.

Monday, 24th October

The 24th October was not a "Third Monday," but it knot in a silk. Joe Stuthard put over some stuff that was
was the date chosen for a new idea to be introduced far from elementary; about the time he nail counted
to our Clubroom—an evening of "Elementary Magic." twelve cards, palmed them, then produced them from
Alec White introduced the performers (or should I his left ear, I was still trying to not tie a knot in my
say demonstrators?) and there can have been few in the handkerchief. Syd Laurence concluded the demonstra-
audience who failed to learn something worth while. tion with a fine version of Find the Lady.
A Mr. King, from Australia, showed us a wonderful The Monday Night Committee are to be congratu-
dodge for calculating percentages of money, and lated on the new venture, which, if not entirely success-
Herbert J. Collings showed how he produced cards, also ful, was certainly on the right lines. I would suggest
how he worked the Classic Force, the Pass, and the that in future they fix—and stick to—a time limit for
Double Lift. Others followed with tips on coins, the these evenings.
ring on rope, the Cups and Balls, cigarettes, and a false D'ARCY,

56
 The Auction Sale
It is Saturday, November 12th, and the Clubroom is One of the most interesting items was a lot consisting
packed . . . "Who'll start with five pounds?" . • . "Four of two unusual ten shilling notes; these fetched the
bob," calls a firm voice from the back of the room. . . . record sum of ten pounds.
Yes, another mammoth Auction Sale is under way! "How on earth do you work this?" came a plaintive
With Francis White as our unruffled auctioneer— voice. "That's not for working," came the severe reply,
assisted by Sidney Lawrence and Alan Alan—bidding "that's for buying and selling."
was brisk and prices well up to average. , Finally, in thanking the many who help to make these
A record number of lots was disposed of, and one sales run smoothly, let us not forget the "backroom
noticed a higher percentage than usual of props in good boys" who give up a couple of evenings to cope with
condition. That is not to say that we didn't see the the laborious job of setting out the hundreds of props.
usual boxes of "bits and pieces" going for a few shil-
lings. D'ARCY.

Correspondence
HUGO ADLER'S ANNUAL LETTER My next (two) shows were at Basrah, and at one
of the places my audience mainly consisted of Iraquis.
Dear Editor, That show, with no interval, lasted from 11 p.m. to
There is a price to pay for everything. So many have 45 minutes after midnight. Since I use very few props
so often envied me for being lucky to travel around and and concentrate a lot on patter and presentation, I felt
see so much magic at so many places and I have felt rather proud of the success I had there, especially in
happy about it, too. But as big as is my luck, so are my view of the fact that the week before, at the same place,
disappointments. All of you who can never get "away" I was preceded by an Indian magician, who travels with
have had this year an experience that will be remem- a whole show. But the elation soon vanished when I
bered for many years to come, and I, the "lucky travel- was given details of the show that preceded mine. Apart
ler," have missed the Jubilee celebrations, which, from from lack of space and time, but even out of propriety,
all accounts, was the event of events. It is so disappoint- I shall refrain from giving here details of his show. I
ing, reading all about it, but just reading. And to think do not know who the gentleman is, but I am afraid
that I was in London only the week before! The same that he and his like are more prone to do damage to
as I was "home" this time just before this year's Magic. If only they would not go around calling them-
Festival. Any member who can outdo me in missing selves Magicians. However. . . !
things?
From there on to India, and on a week-end tour of
However, late as I am, my best wishes and congratula- Goa I saw an Indian performer at Pangim. Either I
tions to all in this special year, and I definitely must have not been so lucky yet, or those who wrote of
see about getting leave for the Centenary celebrations! these "mysterious performers" saw what wasn't. . . !
Otherwise this year was very rich in magical experi- Sorry, just let's say that I did not have the luck to see
ences. Starting off in London (since my last "Annual") any particularly spectacular Eastern performers. I have
held up by a strike, I had the chance to become, for seen many in my travels and admittedly they were
a few weeks, a regular Monday nighter (hope that the extremely skilful with their chickens, cups and balls and
Treasurer will not increase my subs for that period) and the dry-sand effect and so on. But all these (and more)
I had the good luck to meet so many more who have are just as skilfully, if not more so, performed at home.
so far only been names to me. Then down to the Perhaps it is their Eastern attire, plus the atmosphere,
Persian Gulf, where I gave five shows within about that inspires so many writers to speak with such awe
10 days. One of them was a kiddies' show, which I am about those "mysteries."
usually afraid to do, but after they explained (in Umm My next stop was at Emden, in Germany, with a
Said) that those kids never get the chance to see any- private show for shipping people and seamen. Then on
thing like it, I could not very well refuse. to Antwerp and back to London, as stated above, just
In Menah Al Ahmadi I met Kim Williams, an in time to make the April Concert, but away before
Associate of The Circle, who came to visit me on board, the Jubilee.
bringing along with him a big stack of magical maga- From there, once again to Australia, the first stop at
zines. This, if I may deviate for a moment, seems to Fremantle, where I was entertained for dinner by Les
be a usual thing and part of the hospitality these Bateman, A.I.M.C, who is the Secretary and Hon. Life
fellows give for visiting magicians, for I have at many Member of the W.A.S.M. After dinner we went to the
other places been presented with similar magazines and/ home of Bill Sykes, a very smooth performer. In parti-
or books. Thankful as I really am for these kindnesses, cular with his cups and balls, which I have seen before
at times I do feel somewhat embarrassed on receiving but could watch time and again. Apart from being
these little gifts, in addition to the universally over- skilful, it is really a delight to watch it. To give an
whelming welcome I get. Especially since I have no Eastern air, he wears a fez while doing it, and his cups
means to return the kindness. look like the kind of vessels that were found in the
Kim, working for the Kuwait Petroleum Co. as a side Pharaohs' tombs. A number of other members gathered,
occupation, is the entertainment factotum in Kuwait and too, and we had a very nice session, crowned by the
manager of the staff theatre. He is really a ventriloquist, excellent supper supplied by Mrs. Sykes, served with
but does some magic, too. the aid of the magicians' wives, who came along with

57
 their husbands. A thoroughly enjoyable evening, and I Next stop was in Canada, but too short to be able
shall look forward to a return visit there. to meet any magicians. Then back "home" in time to
Next to Melbourne and just in time to attend the attend the I.B.M. Convention in Southport and also a
Les Levante Shield Competition. I was welcomed by A. President's night of the Mahatma in Liverpool and a
Anthonsen, the President of the A.S.M., and saw a very flying visit to the Clubrooms.
commendable show. That night was actually the first Sorry, I quite forgot, that on the way home from
heat, and the winner was Graham Stanton, a young Canada we stopped at Port of Spain, Trinidad, where
man who should go a long way in magic. His dove I was entertained by members of the Port of Spain
production was excellent. Another visitor to the show Ring of the I.B.M.
was Googie Pasha, who delighted the audience for ten Now I am en route to Japan and I hope that in my
minutes with the egg bag. (Please note, an Indian per- next "Annual" I'll be able to relate some Japanese
former, and his effect was the egg bag!) He was on his memories (magical, of course!).
way to Tasmania, but after that he was booked for the
Australian theatres. Before bringing this to its end, I would like to make
some remarks. In one of my letters I referred to Fiji and
At that show I met Will Alma, an Associate of The remarked that I did not think that it would pay for
Circle. He is actually an old trouper, following in the anyone to go there for a full show. Since, I was told
tradition of his father, who toured under the name of that there was someone who toured there and who did
Peter Ross and was known as "Pharos, the Australian well. I am afraid I still feel that it would not be finan-
Mystifier." I understand that he introduced the "Levita- cially successful for anyone, unless, of course, it would
tion of Aga" for the first time in Australia in 1905. be a tour with Fiji as just one stop. There are many
Will himself has also some varied experiences to look places where no magicians of repute have appeared and
back on. He has done professional shows, toured with where one could have great success but only if it were
Les Levante for some time, then concentrated on his part of a tour. The Persian Gulf is a place like that.
"Magic Depot," selling and making effects. Lately he It would not be worth going just there, but to stop
has given that up again and is concentrating on shows there en route to, say, India, on a tour, would be worth
and is very busy, with a show practically every night someone's while.
and at times even two or three on one night. The night Just one more word. As can be seen from the above,
I was out with him, he gave a show in the Melbourne I have been to many places and it would be vain to
Town Hall and from there we had to hurry to a Masonic attempt to mention all the names of magicians I have
"do" where he gave another show. I greatly admired met and all who have been so nice and hospitable to
some of his effects and the ease with which he per- me in my travels. As this is written for the Circular,
formed them. I understand that he is booked to make I do make a point of at least mentioning all Circle
a tour of India in the near future. In a recent letter he members I have met. Thus, I do hope that, should this
informed me that he had a number of engagements at be read (as I know from experience it is) by the many
the "Chevron," one of the leading Melbourne night I have met and have welcomed me, and I am just not
clubs. By the way (may I say this, Mr. Editor?), Will able to mention the fact, will they please accept that it
asked me to try and get for him the complete volumes is not forgetfulness on my part, but just lack of space.
of The Sphinx from 1940 onwards. Anyone who could I do really thank one and all for the grand welcome
help me? and hospitality given to me by EVERYONE—EVERY-
Have again missed Charles Wicks, A.I.M.C., in Mel- WHERE.
bourne, but have since made up for it, meeting him in There have also been the numerous regards from
Southport. He and Les Worthington were already in many to many members of The Circle. These I am
Sydney for the Fourth Convention of Australian Magi- passing on en masse.
cians.
Les, as I indicated already in my last year's letter, Wishing to all at home and in all parts of the world
is busy getting ready for their big Olympic Convention. a very merry Christmas and a happy and successful
They were not quite sure of the dates on which to hold New Year, both magically and otherwise.
it. Originally it was intended to be held in November I remain,
when the Olympic Games are on. But in a recent letter Very sincerely yours,
I had from Les he informed me that they have now
fixed the dates from June 8th to 11th, to coincide with HUGO ADLER.
the Queen's Birthday holidays. They are hoping for some m.v. "Ramon de Larrinaga,"
overseas visitors to be able justifiably to call it an en route to Japan,
Olympic Convention and I hope they will manage to via Panama Canal.
get some to go "down under." I am also hoping that
I'll be around there then. So far I have missed three
Conventions there, either by being there a few days
ahead or a day or so after. This last time in Sydney
the Convention closed on Monday and I got there on November 12th, 1955.
Tuesday. Dear Editor,
But in spite of the fact that they must still have With reference to the very interesting letter published
suffered from the "hangover" of their Convention, Harry in the November Circular from correspondent Mr.
Lokes, the Secretary, entertained me as usual, and once Clive W. A. Smith in connection with the gramophone
again I enjoyed, in addition, Mrs. Lokes' skill in baking. record entitled "The Magic Circle" manufactured by
We were joined by Len Mason, A.I.M.C, with Mrs. Messrs. Oriole Records Limited. As I have a slight busi-
and Miss Mason. We had the usual session to wind up ness connection with the firm mentioned and happen to
the evening. I was also due to attend a meeting of the know the Area Manager and also one of the Directors,
Sydney Ring, but we sailed on the afternoon of the I made approaches to them immediately I read Mr.
meeting. I have just recently learned that Len Mason Smith's letter to see whether they could help me to
hasn't been too good recently, and Harry Lokes also procure this record, as I believed it was slightly "dated."
varies between being fairly and not too well. Perhaps The result was that after a few days they were able to
someone would like to drop a line to them. supply me with this record, which I now have in my

58
possession and which, after the necessary secure packing, The badge with motto was apparently that designed
I intend to forward to the Curator of The Magic Circle by Nevil Maskelyne, as on the same page it states that
Museum as a presentation. in answer to enquiries he informed members that the
I have not, however, so far been fortunate enough words signified "not apt to disclose secrets" and were
to trace the other record mentioned, "Here comes the taken from the Pharsalia of Lucanus.
Punch and Judy Man," chiefly on the lack of reference This Latin poem is the principal work of the author,
details. consisting of ten books, still unfinished at his death.
With all good wishes to your good self and all officers The literal translation of the words is as follows:
and members of The Circle. Indocilis: adj. referring to a person = unteachable,
untaught. Privata: subs. = personal affairs or matters,
Yours sincerely, i.e. not "secrets." Loqui: inf. of verb Loquor = to speak,
TRAVIS B. WILLS, M.M.C. talk, divulge.
Wraysbury, If the context were available the probability is that
Nr. Staines, Middlesex. the correct English would be: One untaught, i.e. not
apt, (or better, perhaps) unaccustomed to divulge private
personal affairs.
I have consulted an eminent Classical authority who
is of the opinion that for "secrets," "secreta" would be
November 8th, 1955. a better word than "privata," and should our Club ever
Dear Mr. Editor, contemplate altering its motto (!), the following are put
In the October Magic Circular a member writes that forward as suggestions:—
he has in nine years never seen any translation of our Noli secreta loqui = Do not disclose secrets.
motto. Utere manu, linguae fave = Use your hand, guard
Some information can be found in the Magic Circular your tongue.
for February, 1951, page 111. In the article "Circle Subdole manu, lingua prudenter = Subtly with the
Without End" it is stated that on March 27th, 1906, hand, discreetly with the tongue.
designs for a badge had been submitted. In the issue
dated March, 1951, it is written: "So on June 1st, 1906, Yours sincerely,
the first number of the Magic Circular came out, it (Dr.) A. J. K. DREW, M.M.C.
bore the Zodiac badge—new to the Society then, . . . Ramsgate,
the motto—Indocilis Privata Loqui." Kent.

Monthly Notes
Country Members9 Notes
By WILL DEXTER
When we opened our latest letter from that whirlwind Back in the groove again. In between making our
wizard, Kalanag, we got something of a shock. The usual rash bids at the last Circle auction, we talked
programme he enclosed (from the State Theatre, Salz- with Farmer George Hatton, from Derbyshire, about
burg) held one item that always turns us cold with the Nottingham Guild of Magicians' latest and most
horror—The Bullet Catching. Headed "Der Tod auf der spectacular show. We'd already heard much about
Btthne"—Death on the Stage—there's an explanatory "Sauce and Sorcery" from our old buddy Bertram
note harking back to the death of Chung Ling Soo, and Millidge and from Ken Scholes, and we'd have given
announcing that Kalanag and Gloria are to reproduce a lot to have been able to go out to Nottingham to
this tragic episode from the blood-spattered history of see it.
the deadly gun trick. Produced ("and what a joy to work with a producer
You won't need telling that this column is usually who knows what's what!" writes Bertram) as a combined
written in light-hearted vein. But this is one occasion effort of the Nottingham Y.M.C.A. Theatre Group and
when the writer can't make a joke of things. The Bullet the Guild of Magicians, the shows seems to have had
Catching has brought suffering to so many stage per- everything. There was a showboat scene, with laconic
formers that we dread to think of our friends Kalanag gamblers, a Wonder Bar, the Scene of the One Thousand
and Gloria falling under its spell. and a Half Nights (sultan, sword cabinet, dancing girls,
harem and all), a waterfall, Slaughter on Fifth Avenue,
Yes, we know there's a trick in it. We know it can Black Light, a Tarzan scene, and Can-Can dancers.
be made foolproof. We know that if anyone could make Bertram, my spies tell me, looked most effective in his
it safe, Kalanag could. number as a Georgian beer mopper-upper, in red coat,
But we know, too, that it's killed and maimed many tricorne hat, knee-boots and monocle, etc. We put in the
other brilliant performers, and that it will claim others etc. in case you think that's all he wore.
before it's out-dated by something even more deadly. The magic was incidental to the plot of the revue,
So please, Kalanag and Gloria—stick to Water from which is as it should be, and the show was a sell-out—
India! Drop the Bullet Catching before it brings suffer- again as it should be, for such well-designed entertain-
ing to you as well. ment deserves support. We should thank these Notting-
ham magicians for stimulating interest in magic so
cleverly.

59
 A letter by surface mail from Harry Venson, in side of a Sunday. This time he went down to Oxford,
Durban, brings a fine picture of Harry and Willane where he discovered William Arthur Blight, who keeps
together there during Willane's African tour in 1949. the Wheatsheaf in the High Street. Mr. Blight, it seems,
"During his stay in Durban," writes Harry, "we spent is as keen a magician as even Plested can locate (and
a lot of time together, and many a happy evening we Plested, like our double-thick, wide, corner-short ply-
had at my flat. What a man of ideas Willane was! wood Ace of Spades, is a wonderful locator).
Always thinking up some novel effect. I was shocked An upstairs room at the Wheatsheaf has been adapted
when I heard of his passing, as it was only a few days as a clubroom, where Mr. Blight hopes to see the foun-
earlier that I had had a letter from him. He was a kind dations of an Oxford Magical Society. With such con-
and generous friend and a loyal supporter of magic." ditions we may yet see young sparks at Cambridge vying

HARRY VENSON AND THE LATE WILLANE.

Harry adds that he has signed another contract for with each other to be sent down so that they may quit
a season at the Band Box Theatre on Durban's Beach the Pentacle Club and move over to Oxford, where, we
Front for this season (their summer is our winter, of hear, there is also a University of sorts.
course) and is busy on other dates as well. A young
fellow to be watched, this Venson!
* * * Before we leave the hallowed ground of Oxford in
Good old Ken Plested comes to our aid again with general and the Wheatsheaf in particular, we would like
news garnered on his tireless trips around the country- to tell you that Mr. Blight has a prediction effect which

60
the learned local gentry describe by one word: looking card sword ever—a real sword, and he catches
"Impossible!" not one but three cards on it.
If you'd like to see it, do as Plested did, and nip out After seeing that picture, we propose putting our own
to Oxford. You'll be welcome at the Wheatsheaf, and card sword in the next auction.
if you don't like the impossible prediction, K.P. says
the beer's good.
Which reminds us that we have yet to unpack the
treasures we ourselves brought home from yesterday's
auction. Isn't it a business, breaking the news to one's
A resounding Yorkshire slap on the back (ouch!) Little Woman that those three cartons and a suitcase
comes from John Pennington, of Castleford, and we pass out in the hall contain props of marvellous value, bought
it on to Ed. and to all his minions responsible for getting for just a modest few shillings? But by the time the
out the Circular next auction comes round, we shall probably be des-
"What a pleasant surprise (writes A.I.M.C. Pennington) cribing all the stuff as "that so-and-so junk," and back
on the first day of October at 8 a.m. to find among the it'll go for sale to other avid bidders.
multitude of monthly bills and accounts the October
issue of the Circular* It put me in a much better mood
to deal with the rest (and boring part) of my corre- Wilford Hutchinson follows up the news of Denmark's
spondence!" most exclusive magical society with a note about Hugh
Mackay's "Council of Nine." Only Mackay knew the
other eight members by name. They were known to
each other, in this correspondence club, by letters of the
Member Pennington sends us a double-backed card alphabet. Mackay sent out questionnaires on various
which is about the best we've seen. He makes them with topics in connection with magic. Each member replied,
photographic mounting tissue, after splitting the two and the whole of the answers were later circulated
cards. If you're interested, we're sure he'll be glad to among the Nine, with a summing-up.
give you all instructions if you need them. You shouldn't
need to bother him, though, for the photographic dealer
who sells you the tissue will tell you how to use it.
It came as a great shock to learn of the untimely
death of Jack Kinson. We'd known him since the early
1930's, when a challenge poker game made us known
Also from Yorkshire comes news that the Leeds Magic to each other. That was in Blackpool, and many's the
Circle plan another One-Day Convention in the near evening we spent together at his home while he worked
future—Sunday, February 5th, 1956. The last one on the white mouse routine that was to make him so
attracted many Circle members, and the next is going well known. In those days Jack was learning his magic
to be even better, they tell us. and showmanship as one of Dr. Walford Bodie's com-
pany on the Pleasure Beach at Blackpool. We'd met
only once since the war, when Jack came to The Circle
last year, and we got talking about our mutual passion
Raffles, The Gentlemanly Deceiver (and what wouldn't for science fiction. Magic took a back seat.
we give to have thought of that title before we lost our We wish we'd been able to see more of Jack at The
own gentlemanly status by becoming a journalist!) has Circle, where his appearances were all too infrequent. He
been elected Chairman, as a founder member, of a new was the most modest conjurer you could imagine, and
magical society. It's the Mystic Ring, with headquarters would never indulge in the big talk about fees and book-
at the Queen's Hotel, Luton. Membership's limited to ings that one hears from so many others. Jack hadn't
20 to prevent the society becoming unwieldy (and there enjoyed good health for some time, but his death will
goes a frenzied nod of agreement from Peter New- shock us all.
combe). At present there are ten members, five of them
being our own Circle members. A first-class magician with a keen brain, a good friend
at all times, and as nice a fellow as you could wish to
"Our first meeting was devoted mainly to the Press, meet—all who knew him will feel his loss keenly.
who honoured us with a good spread in the local
papers," writes the cunning Raffles, who evidently knows
how to get publicity. There's a full page of pictures in Country Members Notes are closed on the 10th of
the paper he sent me. One shows our member Harold each month Contributions should be sent to Will
Dexter A I M C 46 Palmerston Road East Sheen,
Moon with just about the biggest and most murderous- London, 5 IF 14 Tel PROspect 3875

London Notes
By MICHAEL BAILEY
Those of you who read this column (and I hsne actual Best news this month is Channing Pollock's great suc-
proof that four of you do!) will notice it is now entitled cess at this year's Royal Command Variety Performance.
London Notes." For some time the heading "Head- The last time a straight magician appeared before
quarters Notes" worried me as there was little to say royalty at this vast variety show was in 1934, and the
about our Headquarters. I hope that this new title will magician was Cardini. Channing Pollock, after being in
tend to cover more obviously these ramblings, and will Britain only a few months, obviously made a deep
serve as a direct contrast to colleague Will Dexter's impression and was a natural choice. The glowing
excellent "Country Members' Notes." reports in the Press confirmed all our thoughts—"A

61
triumph,'* said the Daily Express; "one of the three "Harry," also a sailor, and the act which won him the
lasting memories of the evening," said the Daily Mail; cup included singing while holding a coin between his
". . . brought to the show a polish and originality in teeth and using two dummies and four voices.
conjuring not seen for a long time," praised The Stage. Frank performs magic, telepathy and Punch and Judy
Channing's outstanding performances have proved a besides ventriloquism, and is a grandfather into the bar-
wonderful shot in the arm for magic at just the time it gain! Another busy man, we guess!
was most needed. Our heartiest congratulations!

The most effective trick we've seen for a long time?

Congratulations, too, for our President, Herbert J. Jimmy Rogers' Dove in Balloon. This is a really beautiful
Collings, on presenting his 10,OOOth show at the last instant production of a dove—the balloon is blown up
Magic Circle Concert held on November 19th. This and is placed on a small stand. A wand bursts the
grand total means an average of four shows a week for balloon and on the wand—just like that—sits the dove.
50 years, a record which would take some beating, con- Well done, Jimmy!
sidering that Col Ling Soo has specialised all his pro-
fessional life in private work of the highest quality.
Both as the only living Founder Member and President
of The Magic Circle and as a genial, witty and vastly The Things That Happen to Magicians . . . John May
entertaining magician, Herbert Collings is held in high carried with him during the war his small box of tricks
esteem and affection by magicians the world over. Here's which contained, amongst other things, a Demon Won-
to the 20,000th show! der Box. He was performing this trick one day during
an army concert party in Cairo. After he had finished
his particular routine, he handed down the box to be
examined whilst continuing his programme. The box
John Napier handed me a Press cutting which caught was handed back by a fellow in the front row who
his eye—from the Sunday Times a few weeks back. whispered, "Take a look inside." So John made another
"Last Monday," it said, "a big dairy concern was fined pass over the box, opened up and produced—another
£5 . . . following the delivery of a quart bottle of milk handkerchief! The expression on the face of the soldier
containing the six of spades." Now we've heard of the sitting next to his unknown assistant told John that the
note in lemon, the ring in egg, the bill in cigarette, the handkerchief belonged to him and had been silently
card in orange, the bird in light bulb, but really. . . ! removed from his pocket. John handed it back to its
rightful owner amidst a shower of unexpected applause.

I have an apology to make to Member Frank Norman.

He was the winner of the Maurice Hurling Cup at the
recent Torquay Convention of the International Brother- Christmas will soon be here again and I predict that
hood of Ventriloquists, but in last month's Notes I called this year more magicians will be performing more
him "Norton." Sorry, Frank! Winning this trophy tricks than ever after the dinner. So don't eat too
brought some very complimentary Press reports with much!
it. "He really brought off the illusion of throwing his
voice here, there and everywhere," wrote The Times Contributions to ' London Notes" should be sent to Michael Bailey,
critic. Dressed in a nautical outfit, his main dummy is Flat 9, 20-21 Marylebone High Street, W 1. Tel HUNter 9820.

Monthly Routine Matters

Report of Council Meeting held at Head- A report from Mr. Geoffrey Buckingham, Mr. Chris Charlton referred to an adverse
quarters on Friday, October 14th. Mr. who was unavoidably prevented from being Prsss report on the television performance
Arthur Ivey in the Chair. present at this meeting, on the recent meet- of a member of the Society. He expressed
It was with regret that the Council learned ing of F.I.S.M. in Amsterdam was read by the opinion that, when accepting engage-
of the death of Brigadier W. Haylock, the Hon. Secretary. ments for television, performers overlooked
M.M.C. Detailed discussion took place in connec- the fact that the audience was far larger
tion with the acquisition of permanent Head- than in a theatre, and that the cameras were
The fact that Mr. Donister's absence was quarters and it was agreed: liable to expose tricks, which would not
due to the serious illness of his wife was easily be noticeable to a theatre audience.
noted with regret. "That a Sub-Committee be formed to Discussion ensued on possible methods of
consider the long-term policy of the preventing exposures of this type and it
The Minutes of the meeting held on Sep- acquisition by The Magic Circle of their was pointed out to Mr. Charlton that this
tember 6th were read and confirmed. own Club premises." matter had previously been discussed very
The Hon. Secretary reported that the com- thoroughly with the B.B.C., but The Magic
The following were elected to serve on this Circle were not in a position to dictate to
plimentary dinner to Mr. Werner F. Dorn- Committee: Messrs. Bailey (to convene),
field had been a happy occasion, and very the Corporation who, or who not, they
Peacock, Salisse, Swaine, Warlock. should engage. There was no seconder to
much appreciated by Mr. Dornfield.
In expressing thanks to all those concerned Mr. Charlton's proposal, and the Council
The Hon. Treasurer submitted, subject to with the production of the Festival of Magic, decided, in view of the impracticability of the
audit, the account of the Golden Jubilee the Chairman said he had been requested by matter, that no further action was possible.
celebrations held last April. Although the the President, Mr. Herbert J. Collings, to
account showed a deficit, it was felt that associate him with the vote of thanks. It was reported that arrangements for the
the result was satisfactory under the cir- forthcoming Concert were completed, and
cumstances. A special vote of thanks was given to Mr. those for the Annual Supper were well in
Gil Leaney for the arrangement of the addi- hand.
On behalf of the Council, the Chairman tional stage drapes, which he had procured
thanked Mr. Jonson for the work he had at a reasonable cost. Mr. Leaney, in replying, The Accounts for Payment Register was
undertaken in preparing this account. stated it was the happiest year back-stage. presented by the Hon. Treasurer and accounts

62
totalling £2,016 18s. 5d. were passed for pay- been given mostly by Circle members and Hampstead, N.W.3; Ian M. Hall, M.D.,
ment. had proved most successful, an amount of M.R.C.P., 7 Wimpole Street, London, W.I;
£92 being raised for charity. Alfred D. Macve, 114 Palmerston Road,
A letter was received from Mr. Noakes Buckhurst Hill, Essex; Robin Mookerjee, 8/1
expressing gratitude to the Council and mem- The next meeting was fixed for Tuesday, Middleton Row, Calcutta 16, India; Hector
bers for the gift of flowers and fruit. November 8th, and the meeting closed at S. Saverymuttu, B.Sc, 66 Hillcrest Road,
9.15 p.m. Weymouth, Dorset; Eric A. Smeed, 3
It was agreed that in future the price of Houndsden Road, London, N.21; Umesh
programmes for the King George's Hall and Varma, 26 Prah Road, Finsbury Park, Lon-
other Concerts should be 6d. each. don, N.4.
Mr. Salvin mentioned that there were black The election of Main Bhandari on May
drapes in the property of the late Mr. Will NEW MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES, 5th last was not confirmed.
Lane. It was, however, not considered prac-
ticable to purchase any of these as, when PROMOTIONS, ETC. Mr. Kenneth H. Hirons, provisionally
hiring drapes, it was possible to choose elected on September 6th had withdrawn his
colours required. Elected Members, October 14th, 1955: application.
A. Larry Berman, 155 Spring Street, New
Mr. G. Dawson, Secretary of the Benevo- York, 12, U.S.A.; Leslie P. Guest, B.Sc, Reinstatements: F. J. D'Almeida, O.B.E.,
lent Fund Committee, reported that it was 29 Franklin Place, Summit, New Jersey, F.C.A., M.M.C., Rua Sao Bento 200, Caixa
intended to launch an appeal for donations U.S.A.; Stanley Orrell, 67 Irlam Road, Postal 3034, Sao Paulo, Brazil; W. D. Fen-
to the fund through "The Magic Circular" Flixton, nr. Manchester; Oscar Paulson, 2 wick (Foo-Ming), "Wellgarth," Beelsby,
and enclose with the "Circular" an addressed Norfolk Street, Manchester, 2; H. D. R. Grimsby, Lines.
envelope for donations. The Council con- Thompson, 62 Georgia Road, Green Lane, Resignations (accepted with regret): Mr.
curred with this arrangement and thanked Thornton Heath, Surrey. Brackenbury (London, W.4); Mr. R. Cowan
Mr. Douglas Francis for his offer to donate (Acton, W.3); Mr. L. A. Brown (Dalston,
the envelopes. Elected Associates, October 14th, 1955: E.8); Mr. H. L. Hambling (London, N.7);
Bryan W. C. Christopher, Beaulieu Lodge, Mr. L. K. Price (Hampshire).
Mr. Warlock sincerely thanked Council for Cooden, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex; Clive J.
the loan of theatre lighting for a magical Court, 9 Radnor Park Gardens, Folkestone, Promotion: To M.I.M.C.: H. W. Herring
show given on the 13th October. This had Kent; Ted Danson, 48 The Wells House, ("Ram Das").

PRESENTATIONS MONDAY NIGHT FIXTURES AT

HEADQUARTERS
The following presentations were gratefully received:
Victor Peacock: Monday, December 5th: BEGINNERS' NIGHT.
Three packs of Spanish cards, one of which is a Monday, December 12th; Lecture on STAGE MAKE-
specially printed (jumbo) pack featuring Fernando UP by JOHN YOUNG, M.I.M.C.
Maymo, whose name appears on the coins of Monday, December 19th: "THE MONDAY NIGHT
that suit and whose portrait is on the joker, with ENTERTAINERS ENTERTAIN."
wishes for "Feliz ano 1955." Monday, January 2nd: "FREE EVENING"—Do as you
Backs have four different coloured handkerchiefs like.
knotted so that one of each colour occupies a Monday, January 9th: "SPECIAL FORUM." Questions
corner—a design suitable for fanning. for this occasion should reach the Secretary of the
Monday Night Committee—Col. H. W. Daukes,
Bethnal Green Hospital, Cambridge Heath Road,
London, E.2—as soon as possible and in any case
not later than January 2nd.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
Saturday, December 17th, King George's Hall:
THE DECEMBER CONCERT. ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY
First House, 6.15 p.m.; Second House, 8.30 p.m. (Hon. Librarian: Colin Donister, M.I.M.C,
7 Gascoigne Gardens, Woodford Green, Essex.
Saturday, January 7th, King George's Hall: Telephone: Buckhurst Hill 5994.)
THE JANUARY CONCERT. 2662 R2662a The Magic Magazine, Vol. 2. Edited by
First House, 6.15 p.m.; Second House, 8.30 p.m. Max Andrews. London, 1953-54. 334 pp.
For the Monthly Concerts, Members should send a 2661 R2661a Magic Wand, Vol. 42. Edited by George
stamped addressed envelope to the Box Office Manager, Armstrong. London, 1953. 192 pp.
Mr. Bernard Lovett, A.I.M.C, 34 Bermans Way, Neas- 2675 How to Treat by Suggestion. Edwin L.
den, N.W.10, stating number of tickets required (not Ash. London, 1914. 104 plus 24 pp.
more than four, including the Member), and indicating 2673
The Invisible Influence. Alexander Cannon.
which House they prefer. When all seats have been London, 1933. 168 pp.
allocated for one of the Houses, seats for the other 2674
House will be issued automatically unless the Member The Science of Hypnotism. Alexander
signifies that this is not agreeable to him. The word 2672 Cannon. London (193—). 126 pp.
"CONCERT" should be marked on the outside of the Effective Modern Tricks with Patter. Will
sender's envelope. Goldston. London, 1916). 8 pp., plus copy
2641 of Magazine of Magic.
Saturday, January 14th: Showmen and Suckers. Maurice Gorham.
2644 London, 1951. 262 pp.
THE ANNUAL CHILDREN'S PARTY. The Conjurer's Chronicle, Vol. 15, No. 1,
The Monico, Regent Street, London, W.I. to Vol. 21, No. 3. Wilford Hutchinson.
Ashton-under-Lyne, 1933-1940,
63
2645 Amateur Conjurer's Guide. Illusionist. JUBILEE CLUBROOM FUND
London, 1953. 87 pp. DONATIONS
2643 Ireland Year Book for 1953. Ireland. The Sub-Committee responsible for the administration
Chicago, 1953. 44 pp. of the Jubilee Clubroom Fund acknowledges, with grati-
tude, the following donations:—
2676 Spookerisms. Elliott O'Donnell. London, £ s. d.
1936. 91 pp. Stanley Dickson 2 2 0
2670 R2670a The Art of Using the Lap as a Servante. S. Jackson Green ... ... ... ... 1 1 0
Tony Slydini. U.S.A., 1954. 4 pp. Thos. B. Donovan 1 1 0
Piet Tovenaar 100
2664 R2664a The Gen, Vol. 9. Edited by Harry Stanley. Syd Marchant 2 0 0
London, 1953-54. 382 pp. Fergus Anckorn 4 0 0
2667 Playing with Magic. Wilfred Tyler. Lon- Sidney J. Saunders 2 0 0
don, 1953. 107 pp. Anon. ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 6
and two magical effects
2671 Come a Little Closer. Edited by Peter Anthony Crabbe 1 0 0
Warlock. Billericay, 1953. 40 pp. An Auction Sale of the magical effects and books
2663 2663a Pentagram, Vol. 7. Edited by Peter which have been donated to the fund will be announced
Warlock. London, 1952-53. at an early date.
In the meantime the Sub-Committee will be happy to
The Hon. Librarian acknowledges with grateful
receive further voluntary gifts.
thanks gifts of books from Mr. Lloyd E. Jones, of
California, Mr. Percy Naldrett, and Mr. H. Pratt FRANCIS WHITE, Vice-President.

Magazine Reviews
The WIZARD for October is a commemorative issue Johnny Geddes adds comedy treatment to the ring in
for the coming of age of the Institute of Magicians. We the boxes, and F. S. Cooze has a page of useful gags.
were delighted to see Madame Zomah featured on the A very useful issue altogether, in fact.
cover and surprised to read that we were ourselves
coping with the piano accompaniment at the Institute's
first official meeting in 1934. The Vice-President of the The GEN for November has an excellent photo cover
Institute, Lord Amwell, gives an unusual mental effect of Tonny van Dommelen in close-up with his famous
with torn newspaper and Sid Hallett has another predic- finger dice. We go in a big way for Ron Baillie's "Mrs.
tion with a chosen card. John Bradbury has a good Gogarty"—we have on occasion used the talking hand
story routine for the children, Claude Manley has a card as a basis for a ventriloquial interlude, but Ron Baillie
and silk effect particularly appealing to the ladies, and gives such detailed instructions and so many varied
Peter Cavour gives yet another prediction item with suggestions for making this form of vent, doll even more
interesting moves. John Bradbury's Tale of a Kite is effective that we shall certainly utilise some, if not all,
another excellent children's effect, and the Jack Lamonte of his suggestions, and we heartily commend this article
Practical Publicity series continues with Blindfold Drive to your notice. Ken de Courcy suggests a follow-up
stunts. Our congratulations to the Institute on its Anni- to U. F. Grant's item with the Jardine Ellis Ring in his
versary and on its magic. sound film, Len Belcher gives a snappy silk effect com-
bining the best of two familiar favourites, Ravelle and
Andree give a number of suggestions for using the giant
thumb tip to good effect, and Lewis Ganson describes
The PENTAGRAM for September has a most interest- the tricks of four different convention magicians that all
ing account of Max Malini by Eric de la Mare. Eric deserve your attention. Richard Merry's "Notice to
continues with a careful description of his own produc- Quip" gives useful gags for the appropriate moment—
tion of a glass of milk and couple of half bricks from emergency or otherwise.
a hat. This deserves to be read even if you have no J. Y.
intention of performing the effect. Harry Burnside and
Charles Cameron's Prediction of Ptah—a convincing
method of producing a prediction under almost chal-
lenge conditions—and Peter Warlock's report of The MEMBERS' SMALL ADVERTISEMENTS
Circle Festival of Magic complete this unusual issue.
LONDON BRIDGE IN DANGER owing to OSWALD'S
tremendous stock of NEW and USED MAGIC. Inspect at
The MAGIC MAGAZINE for November contains new address : MAGICAL MART, 8 Duke St. Hill, London
Max Andrews' report of the Scala show and features Bridge, London, S.E.I. (HOP 4644.)
the Belgian magician, Fan-Tai-Che (Paul Bessemans).
Peter McDonald's All Square is a super coincidence with
cards. Cyro's Crescent Silk Production gets away from Rates for Members' Small Advertisements
the usual handling of the tambourine rings in an artistic 3d. per word (limit 30 words) and payment with
manner, whilst Jimmy Flowers' Invisible Princess is very copy, which must be received by the Advertising
worth while making up for your children's programme Manager, Nat Phillips, 81 Links Avenue, Gidea Park,
this season. George Blake's invaluable series continues Essex. Tel.: Romford 3928, not later than the 10th of
with burnt and restored treasury note effects, Eddie the month for publication in the following issue.
Joseph deals with coin production from handkerchiefs,

64
 JENNESS FOR BOOKS M'Lady Walks Out
Here is first-rate illusion magic with lightweight props.
The lady walks through a rope. Stunning effect, first-class
BOOKS FOR SALE apparatus
anntivatiie — — _ . _ QA I ^

LISTS (old and new books) on request

AMERICAN BOOK LIST on request
JACKET JILL
Here is a sure-fire winner for the children's entertainer.
Cy Endfield. Entertaining Card Magic, Part 1 12/6 Jack and Jill, as you would expect, lose their heads. After a
comical misrepair, everything comes right in the end. Story
Hugard. Encyclopedia of Card Tricks 36/- magic with colour and comedy - 50/-
Tarbell Course, Volume 6 70/-
My Best Close-up Trick - 61-
Loe. Paper Capers
Ireland. Kid Stuff
-
-
17/6
14/-
RISING^ ARDS
Conventioneers at Southport were enthusiastic about our
Torino. Dove Tail Deceptions 25/- two new Rising Card Houlettes — masterpieces of Swiss
Wu Fang Sing. Effects that are Effective - 10/6 mechanism. Beautifully made—set in a moment—perfectly
Leamon. Chemical Magic - 7/6 smooth in action—they are bound to become best-sellers.
14/6 For Standard Cards - - 60/-
Ireland. Lessons in Dishonesty
46/- For Jumbos - 90/-
Annemann. Practical Mental Effects
Abbott's Escapes - 15/- RE-LITE MATCHES.
De Hempsey. How to do Punch and Judy - 7/6 An excellent repeat gag. They won't go out ! doz. 2/6
Dexter. The Riddle of Chung Ling Soo 15/-
Orben Exclusive Comedy File - 28/- You can read all about these and other
Hughes Specials in
NOTE : — / want to buy THURSTON'S LIFE OF HUGHES NEWS
MAGIC AND KELLAR'S MAGICIAN'S TOUR. The quarterly News-Sheet for the wide-awake Magician.
State price wanted. And only 2/6 a year.

Let me know what books you want JACK HUGHES

GEORGE JENNESS 2, EVELYN AVENUE, LONDON, N.W.9
47 INVERNESS AVENUE, ENFIELD, MIDDX. C O Lindale 4452. (4 suits, 4 Aces, 52 cards)

THE POCKET TRICK HITS

THE
OF SOUTHPORT
MAGICIANS'
THE CRYSTAL BOX. Marked coin vanishes.
Immediately appears in an examined transparent MECCA
box without cover. A real close-up knockout—
no sleights.
Only 2 / 6 (Post 4d ) 255 BROAD STREET, BIRMINGHAM, 1

J.D. CHANGING CHIPS. Amazing trans- We have IN STOCK nearly all the worth-
position of marked poker chips in spectators'
pockets . . Only two chips used . . No sleights. while Magical tricks and effects and
Only 5 / - (Post Ad.) our prompt and expert Service is often
Purchasers included—George Blake, Jack Avis, commended. Send 2Jd. for 700-item Lists
Fred Lowe, Roy Walton, etc. and specimen copy of MECCA NEWS.

ELLISDONS •
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IO II.ARCHER STREET*LONDON-W.I.
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George Blake's
'WUN-DEK'
THE ABSOLUTE LIMIT IN PREMONITION EFFECTS. PERFORMED WITH ONE PACK.
At the very commencement a volunteer (positively no stooges—you are entirely on your own m this) is handed a pack of cards
THE PACK MAY BE SEALED, RUBBER-BANDED, EVEN IRON-BANDED AND PADLOCKED IF YOU LIKE, AND THIS
PACK NEVER LEAVES HIS POSSESSION FROM BEGINNING TO END OF THE EFFECT.
Another spectator freely chooses a card in the fairest possible manner, AND IT IS QUITE TRUE TO SAY THAT—UNTIL
THE NAME OF THE CARD IS CALLED OUT YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT CARD HAS BEEN CHOSEN!
The volunteer now opens out the pack which has been in his charge the whole of the time, and looks for the chosen card.
IT IS POSITIVELY MISSING FROM THE PACK, AND THERE ARE DEFINITELY ONLY 51 CARDS THERE.
The freely chosen card is now discovered, BY THE VOLUNTEER, m a most unexpected finale.
It is difficult to visualize how the famous " Premonition" Effect can b e further improved, and yet remain so simple in operation.
THERE ARE NO SLEIGHTS OF ANY DESCRIPTION, INDEED, THE METHOD IS SO INGENIOUS AND SELF-WORKING THAT
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TO PRESENT IT—AND GET THE MOST OUT OF IT. QAI
A George Blake Creation you will present at every opportunity. ^ V J / - U.S.A. $4.00

HAVE YOU VISITED OUR NEW MAGIC SHOWROOM ?

If not you have a treat in store, for here we have spacious on display for your approval and you have personal atten-
accommodation for numerous people Large counter and tion when making your selection in this quiet atmosphere.
showcases, table and chairs for your convenience, and a You can purchase the items in our list with every
small stage Hundreds of our famous VAMPIRE lines are confidence as we guarantee them.

MAGIC MAGAZINE—Better than ever 1 Printed on art paper. Full of fine Tricks, Routines, Articles.
Photo-Illustrated Lessons by Eddie Joseph in every issue for over two years ALL FOR 1/5 (Post free).

IN ALL ITS BRANCHES

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