FILLIS’S CIRCUS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXXI, Issue 10236, 3 January 1894, Page 5

FILLIS’S CIRCUS.

Mr Pillis returns to us again on Thursday next by the a.s. Flora, from Dunedin, and commences a season of five nights hero on Friday evening. This popular arenic entertainer has been telling a press representative some cf his doings during his absence, and epeaking of Pasha, tho lion, said:—“His dignity was somewhat upset at Ballarat (Victoria), lately. Pride had a fail that clay. By some mishap his cage was turned completely over as we were putting him on board the train. It was very funny to see tho crowds of people trampling over each other as they ran screaming in all directions to get out of tha way. Yet it had its serious aide too, and I dread to think of the consequences if by any mischance he should have gob loose.” Replying lo a remark that he is now kept in a cage by himself, his proprietor says: “ You see, ho ia getting older, and aaa consequence more crotchety. I often think we animsla very much resemble each other—as wa got older wo don’t like to ba bothered, do we P ”

Mr Fillis goes on to tell how he has enjoyed hia trip through Tasmania, and how kind everybody was to him. j “ But,” he says, “ our last season in j Melbourne surprised mo most of all. I erected a large building there that cost

me £2OOO, and notwithstanding tho fact that it held some 5000 people, yet wo had frequently to refuse money.” Noticing a look of inquiry, he continues, “ Oh, I can explain tho reason of it. You have no idea what my new people are like. The Feoley Family are without doubt tbe cleverest people in all-round circus business that ever lived; and Lszel, tbe little French lady who does tho cannon act, was a levolation to them. Besides these, we have the Mayol troupe of etatueeques and Mens Soquot’b performing bears ; and then, you know, J gave them the water pantomime and ‘ Maaepps.’ ” “ And the clowning ?” I ask: “You have something new in that line also ? ” The reply is : “ Chestnuts are nil vary well for the monkeys, but they don’t satisfy tho audience, Dan Fceloy is the funniest clown I ever saw. Ho and hia brother keep the house in roars the whole time they are in the arena without speakiug a word.”

The ground selected is the same as formerly, and there will ba two performances daily after the opening night. Tho street pageant will take place on Friday afternoon at three o’clock. This is an a'tractive feature, that has lined the streets of each town the company has vi&iteJ.