Martin Beaufort Tolmaque had now been in Australia for eighteen months. During that time he had been highly praised as a performer, yet all his ventures had been short-lived, opportunistic and, in many cases, only moderately supported by audiences. He had moved through the major Australian population centres of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane without seeming to settle or to make a serious attempt at milking those cities to the fullest extent possible.

Even the most famous of visiting and resident magicians learned quickly that they must tour constantly. Robert Heller and Alfred Silvester both had highly successful and extended seasons, but only at the price of constant promotion and novelty. Silvester’s sons (Alfred and Charles) would both struggle to earn a regular living from magic.

Tolmaque’s personality was also a factor; he had a constant wanderlust, a self-confessed poor business sense, no regular management, and a desire to always be the one-man band. If it had been possible, he would seem to have been contented moving constantly from one town to another, as was the case in Britain – but the population and distances did not allow for this. Tolmaque showed no intention of wanting to return home, but he was either incapable or disinterested in working to build himself a reputation of the sort which would ensure good business when he returned to a town.

At the start of 1877, Martin seems to have breathed a sigh and stopped running about in pursuit of whatever vision he might have held for himself. After performances at Ipswich with a cobbled-together variety troupe (“the attendance … was small, and far below what the character of the entertainments deserved.”), the magician all but vanishes from the public view, excepting a Queen’s Birthday celebration in May, for which he ‘volunteered’ to present his magic.

At the start of June, however, advertising began to appear for the Brisbane newspaper, ‘The Week’.

THE STRUGGLES OF LIFE, OR, THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF HERR TOLMAQUE – The proprietors of the ‘Week’ having secured the right of publishing this remarkable autobiography, the first chapters will appear in the ‘Week’ of Saturday, June 23.

Tolmaque must have spent all his time writing, as he rapidly produced a remarkable series of 38 chapters of ‘The Struggles of Life’, which were serially published, firstly in The Week (Brisbane) from June 23 until September 1, 1877, and soon afterward in The Darling Downs Gazette (Toowoomba) from February 9 to May 11, 1878.

Whether he was writing to make ends meet, or to indulge his powers of story-telling, Tolmaque created a supremely readable tale of his life story. It was, as an autobiography, very incomplete, lacking in chronology, and not always related solely to the author’s own life, yet Martin wrote revealingly of his own talents and foibles, without indulging in the wild fantasies and embroidery which make many theatrical autobiographies suspect. As mentioned previously, his factual statements can generally be corroborated, his more fictional anecdotes seem to have a reasonable grounding in fact, and he relates many instances which do not show him in the most favourable light; particularly those in which he indulges in some ‘sharp’ business practices. ‘Struggles’ has been used as a basis for much of what we have written in these chapters, but there is much more information and understanding to be had by reading the eloquent words of the magician himself.

The ‘Week’ promoted each instalment as a feature “written expressly for” its pages, and the stories covered most of a full news sheet. For the months in which it appeared, Tolmaque’s name was well known to Queensland readers, and he made use of this to heavily promote an appearance, for one night only on November 5, at the Brisbane School of Arts. Here was an opportunity to indulge his love of speaking to the full, Act 1 being recitations and readings from Shakespeare, Act 2 featuring an hour of magic and marvels of sleight of hand, and Act 3 giving choice readings from ‘The Struggles of Life.’

Alas, Martin’s star appearance was met with his almost-usual response: (1) “Herr Tolmaque, author, dramatic reader, and professor of magic, took a benefit last night, at the School of Arts, when his efforts to amuse were not appreciated by so large an audience as the beneficiaire could have wished. He was not the least disconcerted by this, however, and for two hours and a half sustained the burden of entertaining his audiences. It is at any time an arduous task … and to this may be attributed a certain amount of flatness with which the final portion of the entertainment was received. It is, however, in the magic art of deception that Tolmaque most excels, and he executed some very neat and pretty conjuring tricks … perfectly performed. The beneficiaire was deservedly applauded…” The Telegraph mentioned that “the entertainment consisted of readings from Shakespeare, which were given in such a manner as to suggest that Herr Tolmaque must be an actor of much merit.”

Tolmaque gave another performance of magic at the School of Arts on November 8, mentioned as being his last appearance in Brisbane. From there he moved 130kms inland to Toowoomba, where he was to spend most of the following year.

The population of Toowoomba, in 1876, was 9,499. The entire state of Queensland, of those counted by the 1876 census, was just 178,000 in an area of 1.85million km². The prospects of Martin being able to make a living from magic while living at Toowoomba were impossibly low; but he does not appear to have been making any serious attempts at leading a professional career. He sold his Struggles series to the Darling Downs Gazette, which republished them in full during early 1878, having also published a number of stories which are included in this book. Those tales come more closely to being creative fiction, though his ‘Colonial Experiences’ is a warning to unwary emigrants.

He would also contribute a couple of articles to the Ovens and Murray Advertiser in 1881; but one of his most fascinating tales was either never written, or has been lost. In May (2) he advertised,

NEW ORIGINAL TALE

By M. Tolmaque

Author of “The Struggles of Life,” &c. &c.

Herr Tolmaque requires a Publisher for the above Romantic and Original Tale, Founded on Facts and entitled “MIZPAH”; or, “The Adventures of COUNT OTTO VON HABENICHTS, at Home and Abroad;” His Wonderful Career and Remarkable Adventures as a Student, Soldier, Actor, Australian Stock-rider, Spirit Medium, King of the Beggars, Circus Performer, &c. showing also how eventually he became a Reformed Character and gained his Spurs during the Franco-Prussian War; the Prodigal’s Return Home and happy termination of a most exciting and eventful life.
M. Tolmaque, D.D. Gazette Office, Toowoomba

This story would have made fascinating reading, the character of ‘Count Otto Von Habenichts’ [“have nothing”] appearing to be based somewhat on the life of our own hero.

Looking for other ways to earn an income, in February 1878 Martin advertised himself available to give lessons in the German language; and in March, he proposed setting up an elocution class – “Gentlemen prepared for the Senate, Bar, or Pulpit – Terms on application.”

Toowoomba’s rather woeful state of theatrical aspiration is revealed by an article in the ‘Gazette’ on March 9:

“The Toowoomba Dramatic Association, whose first performances were so liberally patronised by the public, has been so long silent in its operations, that we very naturally concluded it was defunct— that, like many similar associations in Toowoomba, which at the time of their inauguration had been made known with great flourish of trumpets, it had ceased to exist when divested of the charm of novelty. It appears we were mistaken. If it has been in a state of somnolency, it is now making another effort, and with a very laudable object, namely, to augment the funds of the School of Arts, which, we understand, are at the present time at rather a low ebb. We feel sure the public generally will express their approval of this action by giving them a bumper house on the occasion. Whether this is to be the last performance of the company we know not, but this we do know, that, judging from past experience and observation, Toowoomba people generally seem to be wanting in that energy and perseverance which is absolutely necessary to insure success in associations of this kind. Ipswich can boast of a prosperous Parliamentary class that has been in existence for years, and an elocution class that has gained a fair share of popularity, in its efforts to entertain the public, but Toowoomba cannot boast of either. Why is this ? We don't attempt to answer the question now, but in the meantime would direct our readers' attention to the entertainment in aid of the funds of the School of Arts. The second part of the programme we have referred to. This will be preceded by a number of musical selections by local amateurs, Mrs. Sabine performing the duties of pianiste, and an exhibition of natural magic by Herr Tolmaque. We hope to see a good attendance.

In the event, the amateur production of ‘Aladdin, or the Wonderful Scamp’ turned in a respectable financial return, aided by twenty minutes of magic contributed by Herr Tolmaque and a visit by the Governor. A member of the society criticised the ‘Gazette’ for ignoring those who gave their time and labour, while highlighting the Governor’s donation. This sort of petty bickering reveals the small-town life that Martin was currently living, and he was not immune. Having contributed some newspaper stories under the title ‘Reflections’, he apparently made some objection to another writer making use of that same title. The writer, going by the pseudonym ‘Incubus’, was a constant and somewhat self-important author of Letters to the Editor and, taking offence at Tolmaque’s objection (which cannot, unfortunately, be located) Incubus decided to take several good swipes at the conjuror: (3)

(March 7) Sir, - That distinguished gentleman, Herr Tolmaque, has addressed a few lines of Shakespeare to me. I am really so dull of comprehension that I cannot see their application. Herr is inclined to be jocose. It is the fashion of "the distinguished" to be so - at least, the late lamented Detective Slattery used to say so— and I suppose he spoke from the authority common to a lengthened experience with men distinguished. As Herr is fond of Shakespeare, and quotes the 'Scotsman', minus number and date, in proof of it, permit me to give him a quotation in return — "A man can smile, And smile and be a ______ !" The reader can suggest the word required to make the quotation complete. Yours, &c, Incubus.

[The quote is from 'Hamlet' in reference to Hamlet's uncle, Claudius - "O villain, villain, smiling, damnèd villain! / My tables — meet it is I set it down / That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain — / At least I am sure it may be so in Denmark."]

(March 12) Reflections by Incubus. To the editor of the Chronicle. Sir, - “ ... Herr Tolmaque .... This distinguished gentleman has addressed a note to your contemporary stating that I had copied his reflections. Now, Mr. Editor, you know how innocent I am of any such charge. I remember meeting Herr in Brisbane, and I should be sorry to copy his Reflections or anything else belonging to him. Why, according to what is supposed to be the history of his life which he has favored your contemporary with, and which I think any man or woman of sense would throw on one side after reading a few lines of it, he has been flying kites all his life, and where is his reward? Wait awhile, Incubus, and as sure as the late genial rains will make the grass grow, you will see what you will see. Copy his reflections, indeed Sir, I scorn the ‘haction.’ ”

(Joseph Taylor was the publican of the Royal Exchange Hotel in Ruthven Street, which burned down in 1882)

March 30 - Since our last report there has been only one case before the Police Court, which was heard before the Police Magistrate, yesterday, viz : — Martin Tolmaque v. Joseph Taylor, illegal detention of property. The complainant stated in his evidence that he owed defendant about £6, and had received two bills from him, but objected to some of the items. An order was made for the delivery of the goods to complainant on payment by him of £8 16s. 6d.

April 3 - THE WIZARD WHO WOULD NOT BE CHANGED INTO A LAMB. To the Editor of the D. D. Gazette. Sir, - The report, Tolmaque versus Taylor, as it appears in your esteemed journal, and also in the columns of your contemporary, would lead the public to believe that I lost the action I brought against the said Taylor. This is at variance with the facts. The Police Magistrate distinctly said, when I was about to cross-examine the defendant, “You need not ask him any questions, Mr. Tolmaque, as I shall decide in your favor.” I produced two bills tendered me by the defendant. The one tendered some three weeks ago (and which I thought I had lost, and consequently requested a second one, which was tendered after the issue of my summons) differs widely from the last. For instance, in bill No. 1, I am charged with three cigars; in bill No. 2 cigars occur in almost every item, in all nineteen. There were other irregularities, which I pointed out to the P.M. Suffice it, that the indignation of the Bench was expressed in plain English, and the amount reduced by two pounds three shillings, as the police books can prove. Without further comment, I leave you and your readers to judge whether I was wrong in resisting the demand made upon me by this enterprising lamblord. I am, Sir, yours, M. Tolmaque. Toowoomba, April 2.

April 4 - The Wizard who would not be a Lamb.

To the Editor of the Chronicle. Sir, - in defence of my reputation as a publican, permit me to say a word in reference to M. Tolmaque’s hallucination in to-day's D. D Gazette. Had he written truly, and less in consonance with the character which has marked his general conduct in Toowoomba, I would pass this individual's froth as unworthy of notice ; but when he disingenuously makes it appear that the difference in the bills supplied to him is a proof of dishonesty, to justify myself against such inference I feel obliged to present M. Tolmaque to the public in a proper light. Certainly the one bill differs from the other in this respect, that one was furnished thirteen days before I ordered him from my house, during which time his demands were met with the attention which a fatuous belief in his honesty inspired. He refrains from showing in his letter how the difference in the two bills arose, with what aim it is easy to perceive. Would an honest, sincere, man be guilty of such gross duplicity ? I trow not. Every item in my bills was correct, this great conjuror to the contrary notwithstanding. He boasts also of getting a verdict in "his favor." I never hesitated to deliver his rubbish, which is of no value to me, on payment of what he owed me, and what more is the verdict of the Court? Tolmaque would have delivery of his (?) property without payment; the Court would not.

May I ask, then, in whose favor is the verdict given his or mine ? Well were it for Tolmaque that a wizard and lamb were convertible terms, he would not then be accredited with the character he is known to possess. I am satisfied at being called a lamblord, and how truly the name fits me; how much better than a rapacious wolf, no one better knows than the sterile punster who calls me this name. Should I denominate him a counterfoil and a sham, Messrs. Nolan, Brannelly, (5) and a host of others, deeply interested in M. Tolmaque's pecuniary advancement, would not for a moment condemn me, as I trust you, Sir, will not for this trespass on your valuable space. I am &c. Joseph Taylor. Royal Exchange, Toowoomba, April 3rd 1878.

April 6 - THE WIZARD AND THE LAMBLORD.

“Sirra, what foul-tongued creature told you to abase me thus?”

“My Lord, I but followed my own Creed.” – OLD PLAY

To the Editor of the D. D. Gazette.

Sir, - In defence of my previous letter, Taylor, the enterprising lamblord, has favored your contemporary with an effusion couched in language as abusive as it is contemptible, but not one word to disprove my statements. The facts still remain as before, and the enterprising lamblord may heap mountains of foul language on my, alas! diminished (?) head, but he cannot alter the decision of the Police Magistrate, or the fact that the terms in the two bills tendered me were contradictory though the dates tally exactly. Fortunately for me I did not lose the first bill, as he thought I did. He says I wrote not truly in my report of the proceedings in the Police Court : why then does not his own solicitor contradict me? He further adds, ‘Every item in my bill is correct’. Now, Sir, is this correct? –

Bill No. 1, Feb. 16- no cigars

Bill No. 2, Feb. 18 3 cigars

Bill No. 1, Feb. 19 - no cigars

Bill No. 2, Feb. 19 -3 cigars

and so on, and so on, right through the accounts till the P.M. discovered two pounds three shillings unfairly charged in Bill No. 2, and disallowed that sum - which said bill was not tendered me till I issued the summons. I have since discovered other discrepancies made by Taylor, the enterprising lamblord, and whether he tendered his bill thirteen days or thirteen years after I asked for it does not alter the case. My statements are undeniable facts ; his are but “words, words, words.” Yours, &c., M. Tolmaque.

April 10 - “The Wizard Who Would Not Be a Lamb” – M. Tolmaque

“Good my lord, forbear to touch yon fetid mass of loathsome leprosy; it is at best but a heap of rancid Tullemuch” – A NEW PLAY.

To the Editor of the D. D. Gazette

Sir, - I refrain from giving further attention to M. Tolmaque’s pitiable effusions, which bear their own refutation on their face. – I remain, sir, yours faithfully, Joseph Taylor. Royal Exchange, April 9^th. [This must conclude the correspondence. – ED.]

Martin continued to offer his magical services around the district, and in July gave an entertainment at the Drayton Court House, and another was advertised to take place at the School of Arts on July 30 in which he would include readings from ‘Hamlet’. The show, promoted in the press several times, descended into chaos when, on the evening, Tolmaque was nowhere to be seen. The Gazette reported (August 3):

“On Tuesday evening last several persons attended the School of Arts to witness the entertainment announced as “Herr Tolmaque's benefit”; and which had been freely advertised in our columns. We regret that we should have been made - unwittingly it is true – a vehicle to be-fool them. At the hour announced the hall was in darkness, and Herr was invisible. On enquiry we were informed that be had been spirited away by those whose tricks he professed to expose. The next thing said was that he had taken to the study of astronomy, and had become obfuscated in observing the phases of the three planets discovered by Hennessy, and had discovered numerous satellites. Others again said that he had played his 'trump trick,' and was gone to add another chapter to his sensational tale of 'The Struggles of Life.' However that may be we can only pass on the question asked us, 'Where's Tolmaque?' “

The magician had upped stakes and, without notice, departed forever from Toowoomba. He headed south, but not a great distance, reappearing at Warwick Town Hall on September 6 and 7 with a full two-hour performance. The intriguing aspect is that he had lost none of his performing ability, and his show was reviewed as a runaway success:

(6) HERR TOLMAQUE AT THE TOWN HALL

“This celebrated professor of magic and spirit manifestations made his first appearance in Warwick last night, to a tolerably large audience. To say that Herr Tolmaque’s entertainment was a success, is but a mild way of explaining it. It was a perfect treat from beginning to end. The moment the Professor stepped upon the stage, and, after briefly and neatly addressing the audience, performed his first trick, it became evident to every person who was present, that a real artiste and an accomplished gentleman stood before them, and we cannot better explain this than by quoting the remarks of the Melbourne Arbus, which says:- “Herr Tolmaque possesses a polished ease which soon enable him to be on the best of terms with his audience.” … Herr Tolmaque is a clever wit, as well as a great conjuror, and keeps his audience in constant good humour by his amusing fund of small talk. We wish him success wherever he goes, nor do we think he will be disappointed in his present tour, which we understand is to extend from here to Sydney overland.”

After such a glowing testimonial, Martin’s next venue was the New Music Hall, Glen Innes (New South Wales) on September 19 and 20 where, despite good advance promotion, “the attendance was not very numerous on either occasion. Some of the tricks were very clever, and the audience seemed to enjoy the performance.” There was more success at Armidale in late October, where he played several nights to a crowded Town Hall audience:

(7) “…certainly, for neatness and completeness, we never saw them surpassed …the Professor, who is a well-educated gentleman, intersperses his performances with light and agreeable chit-chat, and now and then a happy conundrum. Says the Professor, ‘Why do the girls like cold weather?’ After a suitable pause for reply, which is not forthcoming, the Professor solves the difficulty, ‘Because it brings the ‘chaps’ to their lips.’ This and similar and diverse cons. were rewarded by hilarious approbation.”

Further down the road, the Professor was at Tamworth, but (8) “Professor Tolmaque, spiritual conjuror, has tried his hand on hotelkeepers, printers, &c., and they aver that he is exceedingly clever, and, like all spirits, has disappeared - Heaven knows where ! They don't.”

(1) The Brisbane Courier, November 6, 1877.

(2) The Darling Downs Gazette and General Advertiser, May 4, 1878.

(3) Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs General Advertiser, March 7 and 12, 1878.

(4) The Darling Downs Gazette and General Advertiser, March 30 and April 3, 6 and 10, 1878. Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs General Advertiser, April 4, 1878.

(5) John Brannelly was another publican, formerly of the Royal Exchange, the White Horse, and later the Criterion. Charles Nolan was publican of Downs Hotel, and later Nolan’s Hotel in Ruthven Street.

(6) Warwick Examiner and Times, September 7, 1878.

(7) Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser, October 11, 1878.

(8) Tamworth report from Newcastle Morning Herald, November 1, 1878.