CHRISTMAS IN THE CIRCUS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19812, 27 December 1929, Page 7

CHRISTMAS IN THE CIRCUS.

• FESTIVITIES IN RAILWAY CARRIAGE.

Perhaps the most novel way iu which Christmas Day was spent in Ohristchurch was in a railway train in one of the sidings in the railway station yards. In theee unusual surioundings the artists and staff of Wirth's Circus celebrated tbe day of festivity with a thoroughness and bonhomie that is known only in the circus brotherhood —a fraternity quite unknown to the workaday world. A representative of The Press was admitted to this exclusive circle, and experienced for himself the hospitality of the members of the company. Here, where ordinary railway carriages had become transformed with brilliant colours and decorations, supper was served to the accompaniment of conversation in many languages, conspicuous among which was the German tongue. There were many countries represented—France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Germany, and America—and the programme of music was an international one in every sense of the word.

Earlier in the day members of gfce company were the guests of Mrs Wlwn at. Christmas dinner, 25 sitting down to table. The menu on this occasion consisted of 15 fowls, six geese, six dncks, and six turkeys. In the evening 4.0 people sat down to tea. The far Was decorated bv Mrs Wirth and her daughters, who also helped in serving. "So now vou see how we live," a member of the troupe remarked. "We are a long way from home, but we forget the miles and become one family."