WIRTHS’ CIRCUS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 97, 19 January 1926, Page 4

WIRTHS’ CIRCUS

A GREAT ANIMAL SHOW

WONDERFULLY TRAINED ELEPHANTS AND SEALS

Although, in keeping with AVcllington traditions, it rained hard between 7 and 8 o'clock last evening, the big tont that houses Wirths' Circus was filled to capacity for tho opening porformance here. In many respects the big show is ono of the brightest and best wo have seen for some years, and everything moves with such clockwork precision and speed that there is not n moment from beginning to end that there is not something of interest going forward in the big ring or in the aerial space of the "big top.” Certainly the Wellington .public have probably never seen such an excellent lot of trained animnl acts, which range from a herd of eleven elephants, a quintet of splendid lionesses, to seals, clever dogs, monkovs and the dearest little Shetland ponies imaginable, all amazingly well trained. Perhaps the most astonishing animal act is that offered by the trained seals under the direction of Professor Betts. Most people are aware of the agile wonders of these animals in a glass tank, but this is a "dry” act, and even more astounding in its revelations. Who would imagine that seals have un amaz. ing sense of balance? Yet here they may be seen, not only balancing a huge coloured rubber ball on the tip of their snouts, but heading it to one another with unerring' skill. But the most wonderful feats of all are those in which n seal, 'balancing a lighted lamp on a long stand on its nose, climbs a double ladder on one side, and descends on the other, and later, still balancing an object on the tip of its nose, flappers its way along a tight wire. On one occasion a grotesque note is struck by the object balanced being a live rooster oit .a perch. Nor are tho ponderous elephants to be outdone in intelligence. Besides going through a series of evolutions at the bidding of Miss Eileen Slay, they enact a whole scene, entitled/‘The Fight for the King’s Colours,” in the course of which a sleeping camp (of elephants, is surprised, and the commanding officer (Miss May) is shot down. Two of tho great animals then cover tho body with the Union Jack, and then pick it up by their trunks, and carry it off the field of action under the protection of a flag of truce, held by a wounded elephant. Tho herd includes two strapping babies, who constitute themselves an orchestra, speak through the telephone, and perform other intelligent acts, to tho immense amusement of the audience. Perhaps the most daring act of all is Captain Smith’s performance with five snarling lionesses, who leap hurdles, jump through hoops of flame, and form pictorial poses at the crack of the intrepid trainer’s whip. The Cainelia Troupe of jugglers nnd acrobats, give a neat and clever performance, which concludes with tho man hurling himself through a frame of gleaming dagger blades. Still another very striking and beautiful act is that of the Howey Family, whose skilful and graceful exposition of ground and lofty tumbling created enthusiastic applause. Tho precision with which a small boy erect is thrown from shoulder to shoulder was at times thrilling, and when this lad is projected into the air from one end of a low-set see-saw by another member of the troupe jumping from a height on to the other end, members of tho audience caught their breath. Tho whirlwind ground tumbling of all hands was another feature of this act. The beauty and grace of the ladies of this troupe struck roost people present. The Howey Sisters also gave clever performances on tho high trapeze and tight wire, three of the same family hanging only by their teeth, and allowed themselves to bo whirled round and round in mid-air as proof that their dental powers are in no way impaired.. Equestrian performances are inseparable from all circuses, and Mr. Philip Wirth, throughout twenty-five years’ experience, may always be relied upon to give his audience a thrill. One of tho smartest and prettiest little ponies exhibited was "Earl Dudley, ’’ trained and exhibited by Mr. Wirth himself. Another graceful equestrienne is Miss Gladys, who on her upstanding hunter “Duke” gave a remarkable illustration of the .fine degree of training possible with, a well-bred and spirited horse. Alfred Clarke, a daring horseman and athlete, gave a daring exhibition of equestrian tumbling on the back of a horse. He also gave n stimulating jockey act which appealed immensely. Plenty of fun is provided by Grimaldi the Great, an amusing clown, and his merry assistants, who submitted many amusing stunts that set the ring roaring with laughter. One of the best of these was the burlesque bull-fight, with dogs dressed as bulls, who charged the clowning toreadors from every conceivable angle. Good comedy was also provided by "Whittier,” a spirited nony, nnd his monkey jocko v: l>v Torelli’s miniature circus on a rapidly revolving table; and by tho comedy wide who defies anyone to ride him. The circus has an excellent band, with a remarkably good cornettisl. who played several solos as a prelude to the circus performance. A well varied menagerie, containing lions, lionesses, leopards,, wolves, a gorilla (among various families of monkeys), a zebra, Tasmanian devil, and a cage full of seals. The circus will give performances every night this week, with matinees to-morrow end on Saturday.