The record-union., 1893-06-02
CAPTAIN JACK.
He Delights Hundreds by His Per-
Torrance Last Night.
The Swimming Baths Crowded by
Those Who Find Enjoyment
In Aquatic Sports.

Last night was gala occasion at the
Swimming Baths, it being the occasion of
the formal opening, with an exhibition of
fancy swimming by Captain Jack Will
Jams, who probably has no superior in
the world in his line.
The Foresters' Band, which had been
engaged for the occasion, played several
airs in front of the baths, and at o'clock
| took their places inside the balcony at the
end of the swimming tank.
Captain Williams soon appeared. and
was securely bound with eight straps
combining his arms and hands to his sides,
and also combining his legs and ankles.
As the band struck up he Jumped from
the balcony into the water, and soon re-
appearing, swan to the other end of the
tank and back, using his knees and legs
as well as he was able, together with con-
tortions of his body. \ flag was then
! placed in each of his hands and he again
swan the length of the tank and back.
| holding them above the water.
| A circular board was then thrown into
the tank, with weight attached to keep
/ 1t from capsizing, and a bottle and glass
! with some food being placed on it, he ate
and drank while treading water
| He then floated. and stretching his
/ arms back of his head, by the use Of his
! hands with a motion of the wrist he pro-
/ PEELED himself feet-foremost as rapidly as
some persons can swim. This seems to
! be difficult feet, as the only movement
is that of the hands with a motion some
| what similar to sculling a boat with one
| oar.
Taking Roman candle in each hand,
he lighted them, and when they were
well started he dived into the water, re-
appearing without eXtinguishing them,
and kept treading water till they burned
( themselves out, making * rather lively
4 for some boys who went where they were
/ told not to go.
/ He then walked in the water, advanc-
ing and retreating, and finally taking a
/ gun on his shoulder he walked out some
distance from the end of the tank, and
! cooking it, put it TO his shoulder and dis
! charged both barrels with interval be-
| tween them.
This ended the evenings performance,
and, the word being given, about fifty
swimmers, who had lett the tank at the
/ beginning of the performance, plunged
in again like parcel of frightened frogs,
! while the Sultroom was beseged five
deep by others who wished to take a
swim, and within few minutes the tank
was alive with swimmers.
The gallery and every available spot
down stairs was occupied, probably 500
people witnessing the performance of
/ Captain Williams, and liberal applause
testified to their enjoyment of his Won
/ derful teats.
He has been engaged by the manage
ment for two weeks, and will give daily
performances during that time, varying
his programme at the different perform
ances, as he has a variety of tricks in
store. Those who go to see him
during that time will think that
Solomon was wrong when he said
there was nothing new under the
sun. The water in the swimming-tank
was in fine condition last night. and
Superintendent Brown received many
compliments on the fine condition in
which the baths are.