A 'distinct novelty'

The kiddies will love him. Fun for all. The amusement surprise of the year! The greatest novelty ever introduced in New Zealand. A big build up for three performances in August 1928 at the Theatre Royal, of Jerry the Kangaroo Boxer and Comedian. Jerry performed before a screening of ‘Les Miserables’, featuring Gabriel Gabrio and other French actors. The flier also compares him to Tom Heeney, a New Zealand heavy-weight boxer from the same era. According to the Waikato Times of 10 August 1928, Jerry boxed three two-minute rounds against a human opponent, although he also appears to have taken a few shots at the referee. Labelled a ‘distinct novelty’, this is certainly not an act we would condone or expect to see before a film screening today.

Contributed by Rowan Miller, Digital Delivery Librarian, Hamilton City Libraries. Explore more of our heritage collection online by scanning the QR code. For further information or to contribute information about the items highlighted, please contact archives@hcc.govt.nz quoting HCLE_01576