The Irish Zulus

Posts : 3463 Join date : 2021-01-04

"Another swindle. A tempting bait eagerly swallowed by a certain class is the penny show deception.
An empty shop in a busy street is generally selected, and a large gaudy painting of some impossible or improbable prodigy exhibited, while an individual who, gifted with a palavering tongue stands in the door entreating the passers-by to "walk up." The writer can call mind, when the Zulu war was at its height, seeing a show of this description, with an enormous painting two Zulus, "just arrived from the seat of war," hanging outside, and having his curiosity aroused speculated a penny.

Two big muscular fellows were being exhibited with all the paraphernalia of spears, shields, war paints, etc., and everyone present was under the impression they were seeing two "real, live Zulus," but as I was about to leave the show, I was surprised to hear one of the supposed Africans remark in unmistakeable Irish brogue, " Sure Micky, this is dhry wor-rk," nevertheless it was a clever swindle.
Sometimes a good pennyworth is offered, and genuine affairs, such as freaks of nature, can be seen, but a showman once remarked, " If they don't do any good, they don't do much harm."

Coventry Standard - Friday 25 October 1889

Posts : 3 Join date : 2022-03-06

can anyone help me find a deserter from the 60th rifles whilst in South Africa 1856, An Irishman William ( Bill) Ryan alias Regan who later Murdered his Griqua wife on 3rd November 1879.
Captured 1874 by the Native Contingent under Commandant Welsh but escaped whilst in captivity.
Any help in finding this nasty gent who Murdered My Wife's GG Grandmother would be much appreciated.

Posts : 3463 Join date : 2021-01-04

Hi Murray
Welcome to forum
Just a little tip, it might be worth putting your enquiry on a new thread with the mans name you wish to track down as the title so it gets more reponse.
It may be a little lost on this post which is about about Victorian high street showmen.
Kate Very Happy

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