Weekly News. — 1892-06-30 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

GAUCHOS AT THE WILD WEST.  Another attractive addition has been made to Messrs. Cody and Salsbury's "Wild West" Show. On Thursday a number of Gauchos, descendants of the early Spanish colonisers of the South American Wilds, almost as ferocious as the aborigines, the Indians, were produced, along with the hordes ol cowboys, Vacqueros, Cossacks, and the Sioux tribes, for the amusement of the thousands who are now patronising the entertainment at Earl's-court. The Gauchos are horsemen from the boundless Llanos ot the Argentine Republic, and in their peculiarities and their national characteristics they are a subject of investigation as remarkable as anything modern history can show. They are reputed to be the most expert lassoers in the world, and the public will now have an opportunity of seeing the use of the "bolas" as an instrument of the chase, or the capturing of wild horses, ostriches, guanacos, and other big game. The troupe rushed at breathless sp •ed on their little wiry steeds round the arena. Then, forming into a group in the centre, they gave an exhibition of their prowess in throwing the "bolas," and in capturing a number of unsaddled h Jrses that had been let loose amongst them. The "bolas" consists of rawhide thongs, fastened to a central thong, and having a small iron ball, or piece of metal, at each of the ends. With these strong bands a Gaucho can lasso a flying horse from a distance of 601 t., and as the lasso gets inextricably entangled about the legs the victim is brought helplessly to the ground. One item in the performance illustrated the manner in which they can readily bring a horse to the ground, making it throw a backward somersault, as it were, as it finally rolls over. Then, as it lies prostrate, two of the tribe throw themselves upon it, and, with a peculiar cry, the animal rights itself again, and, with the two riders on its back, shews its wild propensity by sudden fits of "buck-jumping." The Gauchos are phenomenal trailers as well as experienced lassoers. In their primitive mode of existence they make everything connected with their outfit. Their boots consist of the skin of a freshly-killed colt, and being shaped to the leg and foot while warm, and sewn at the toe, they become practically leather stockings, without sole or heel. Altogether, they are a very interesting race, and must prove a welcome acquisition to Buffalo Bill's company of rough-riders.  The decapitated body of a man, name unknown' was found on Friday in Silvertown railway tunnel. It is supposed to be a case of suicide.  By the bursting of the water main at Heywood on Friday morning, damage to the extent of about A2OOO was done at the Hooley Bridge Mills, Heywood.  The Equatoria refugees just arrived in Cairo via Mombasa number 21 officers and non-commissioned officers with their families,amounting to MO persons in all. Of these officers, says the Daily News, two only are Egyptians and the remainder blacks, of whom all but one left Egypt with either Sir Samuel Baker or General Gordon. They consider that Captain Lugard is quite able to hold his own against any opposition that may be brought against him, as he is well backed up by Selim's men. The success of his expedition is, they maintain, solely due to the assistance he has received at the bands of these old Egyptian soldiers.  I romance of the middle ages.—Two people falling in love when they are 45.  "I'll join you in a minute," is what the minister said to the couple who were waiting to be married. He (mysteriously): "Clan you keep a secret?" She (ingenuously): "I don't imow; I never tried to."  "Please give me your arm," said the maiden. And the gallant youth chopped it off and gay. it to her.  "Soled out," he murmured to himself, as the father of his best girl pre hies a lift down ti frost door stairs.