WIRTHS' CIRCUS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIII, Issue 13689, 4 March 1905, Page 7

WIRTHS' CIRCUS.

Much better climatic conditions prevailed at Wirtli’s Circus last evening. The performance went without a hitch from start to finish, and all members of tho large audience, apparently, were well satisfied with the programme and tho efforts of tho proprietors top make them as comfortable as possible, j The principal attraction was Cheralo’s item,; entitled ‘‘Leaping tho Chasm.” It came at tho end of the programme, v and those present gathered round to see the feat. Tlio performer, with his bicycle, ascended a steep incline, reaching nearly to the top of the tent. At a signal, he started down the incline at a great speed, and increased tho rate as he went. 'When near- tho bottom, man and machine leaped an open space about twenty feet wide, and landed with a loud thud on an inclined platform, off which they rushed to the ground. The performance occupied only a few seconds, and was watched with almost breathless interest. At its conclusion many of those present went into the adjoining tent to see Chefalo loop “ Kilpatrick’s Death Trap.” The performance was the famous “ looping the loop,” which has been the subject of discussion in other countries. Tho performer was hauled up a steep incline again, pushing his machine before him. The signal was given, and down he rushed, and in a second had passed completely round the loop. Tho performance was greeted with loud applause. During the performance Mr Wirth stated that all those who bought tickets for admission to the ££ looping the loop” would t be allowed to 800° the <£ leaping of the chasm” free. , TO TilE EDITOR. Sir, —The rumpus that occurred at tho opening performance of the circus calls for greater publicity. The management is deserving of more than censure, in more directions than one. The failure of the sitting accommodation lias been publicly discussed already. Tbo behaviour of the discontented individuals in rushing tho death-trap loop is to be deplored. How far tho management was responsible for that may be an open question. But in what occurred afterwards tbo conduct of some of tho circus hands was, in my judgment, unlawful, if not crimi rial. The trespassing crowd was, ordered to leave the tent, which was or ly proper,. They jeered, but budged not. Then the man who spoke, threatened to deal with the crowd one by one, which was tantamount to using language calculated to provoke a breach of the peace. After this, wild animals (in the shape of elephants) were turned on the crowd," to' eject them. One man was flogged with a whip, find when the lights were turned out, it in said that some circus attendants beat the crowd with poles and other handy but heavy weapons. Yro wo in Russia (hat’men, and perhaps women, maybe threatened, brutally assaulted, flogged, and hustled with elephants? Had this occurred in a seaport town, or in a rowdy -mob, fearful slaughter may have been* precipitated. , That th-a noisy element contented themselves with running tho two waggons into the river was due* to the provocation they received. However blameable the actions of some of the public may have been, it does not justify the circus people in tak-

ing the law into their own. hands. Sympathy for Wirths’ bad luck cannot blind us to the necessity of insisting on a prevention of high-handed action from those who control huge amusements. Hoping the proper authorities or powers will speak or act strongly enough to restrain or prevent any similar catastrophe in tho future. 1 am, etc., • THEO. COX.