Wirth's Circus.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7414, 2 October 1902, Page 2

Wirth's Circus.

The attraction that a circus possesses | for both old and young was again demonstrated last evening when the huge tent erected by W irth Bros., in Broad-street wag more than comfortably filled in all departments. Only a few months hare elapsed since the circus made its last appearance here, but during that time many new and startling items have been added to the_ programme while the properties, uniforms, dresses &c, are all new, and many of them remarkably handsome. It was most evident that 'during winter quarters in Auckland the energetic proprietors have not been idle, and have made ail arrangements for the new season just opening. A special feature of the programme last evening was the introduction of several high class vaudeville items which, besides being entertaining in themselves, lent an air of novelty to a cirous programme. Instead of the orthodox horse act, the performance commenced with a loudly applaudod Konxan ring act, which was followed by Mons. Rougaland his trio of Bengal tigers which have been taught several new tricks during the vacation, the most interesting perhaps being the tight rope walk, including turning round on the rope, a most difficult accomplishment and displaying to the utmost M. Eongal's command over his particular pets. The chariot act was also performed in faultless style, while another of the tigers perched in most sedate style upon the back of a cantering horse. A new and interesting act wag introduced by Mr Phil Wirth and his horse Major, who appeared capable of doing almost anything, and displayed intelligence quite beyond the ordinary equine. Fancy; dances were performed to the accompaniment of popular airs, a variety of attitudes were struck in kneelinj? and lying down. Generally the item was most creditable to both horse and Mr Wirth, who must have expended considerable time and trouble in teaching the horse. Equestrian fonts were also performed by Mdlle Bartele, Miss Wirth, Mr Carl Wirth and Master Wirth, the butterfly dance by Mis 3 Wirth in particular being worthy of special mention. A new uud amusing item was the ladder balancing work by the two Cantons, wbo in orthodox Chinese garb, went through a number of ovolutions on a huge ladder, which revolved a la the Perns wbeel, in a manner which elicited loud applause. The Deltorelis m their musical comedies, the parallel bar work by Mr Vantell, the acrobatic feats of their clowns and their amusing bye-play together with tho clever performances by the elephant, camel, jumping dogs and ponies were all conspicuous items in a liberal programme: The special featuro, however, of the performance and the least understood was the thoughtreading extraordinary, or whatever it may be, of the Howard Bros , who completely nonplussed tho audience by the clever turn. Articles of all sorts and conditions were described with wonderful accuraoy by ono of tho brothers, who sat blindfolded in the centre of tho ring, the other traversing the house in a search for novelties which" owners fondly thought would " stump " the clever, performer. Initials on handkerchiefs, numbers and dates of notes and coins, initials on rings, the namps of their owners and all sorts of information was retailed with a rapidity and precision that was fairly astonishing. The performance, without doubt, was one of the cleverest seen here, and as something more inexplicable is promised to-night, patrons may rest assured they will be not only interested, but completely mystified. A complete change of programme is announced for this evening's entertainment.