COLE'S GREAT AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN CIRCUS.

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3205, 29 October 1880, Page 2

COLE'S GREAT AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN CIRCUS.

The proposed visit to tho colonie3 of W. W. Cole's great American and European circus and menagerie has already excited more than ordinary interest in amusement circles, aud in view oi the fact that many conjectures are rife ua to the extent of this vast enterprise, an interview with Mr L. E. Cooke, press agent of the famous show, served to elicit the following knowledge concerning it: —The organization consists of circus, menagerie, aquarium, and a con. gross of living wonders, which embraces rare specimens, animated and inanimated nature, without limit. In America, from whence it comes, it is conceded to stand pre-eminent among its fellows, and travels exclusively upon huge trains of steel cars built expressly for it. In this country it will be transported on Bteamers under special charter, and visit only the larger cities. The cost of transit from San Francisco to Auckland alone will exceed $20,000 or £5,000 sterling. Every feature advertised will bo produced. The marvellous troupe of six performing stallions will all be seen in the ring at once, and every position, " act, or movement depicted on the show-cards Trill positively be accomplished by these cquino wonders. The dazzling electric light, of which so much has been said, is used to illuminate the vast exbibi-tion-tents, which contain nearly a million yards of canvas. This refulgent light is of such remarkable brilliancy that every object is made distinctly discernable, though the night be of inky darkness. The zoological wonders are a special item of interest, and will consist of animals, beasts, and birds—dena ot performing African lions, leopards, tigers, hyenas, sea lions— weighing tons—, snakes and reptiles, elephants, camels, and a two-horned black rhinoceros aro prominent features. Not less than eight bare-back tiders will enter the arena, and the appearance of Mdllc. Lind Jcal, the only living female hurdle rider who dashes through hoops of fire, is considered the sensation par excellence. A troupe- of aerial bicycle riders will accomplish herculean feats npon a single strand of wire suspended somo fifty fe«t above the ground. These are only a few of the many features, yet they will serve to illustrate tho immensity of the enterprise. Men who ride seven horses at once, and hurl themselves over a herd of elephants and camels at a single leap, are also principle attractions in this great show. The initial performance will be given in Auckland oa Saturday afternoon, Nov. 20th, and two cutertainments will be eiven daily thereafter. A grand illuminated street parade will be given on Friday night, Nov. 19th, upou which occasion the entire resources of this show will be displayed with calcium lights, torch lights, Roman candles, and pyrotechnic effect*. The management feel confident* that such a demonstration will establish the preeminence orer all others and quiet all misgivings as to whether this is the largest and best amusement enterprise that ever visited this part o£ the world or not. After terminating tho engagement in Auckland, the show will proceed to Wellington and the lower islands, and thence to Australian colonies.