FRYER'S CIRCUS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7897, 16 March 1887, Page 5

FRYER'S CIRCUS.

•» THE AUTHORITIES REFUSE PERMISSION TO LAND THE DOGS. The steamship Wairarapa arrived in harbour early yesterday morning from Sydney, and by her Fryer's Circus reached here. It beiug known that this circus was on board, a much larger amount of interest was attached to the arrival of the vessel, particularly amongst the juvenile portion of our population, and consequently there was a Targe crowd on the wharf to watch the landing of the members of the company, the Japanese portion coming in for a large share of attention, whilst the landing of the ponies and goats formed by far the chief feature of the morning's sight-seeing. These were all landed safely, and at once taken away to their quarters, , ! At the Agricultural Hall, next the City , Market, all was bustle and hurry during yesterday. A number of waggons were employed carting from the steamer to the site of the circus the plant, etc., whilst on the ground a number of workmen were engaged in getting the fittings together and the tent and side shows in order, and by last evening good progress had been made. The Japanese Village is to occupy the whole of the Wellealey-street end of the market, and there twelve Japanese houses are being erected, in each of which will be shown various industries of these wonderful people, in full swing. The roof will ■be covered with a multitude of lanterns, which, when lighted, will add greatly to the attractiveness of . that part of the show. Proceeding on from the Japanese Village, the visitor finds himself in the circus, the Agricultural Hall having for the nonce to do duty. In the centre is the ring, and all around are fitted seats sufficient to accommodate some 1500 or 2000 people. The adapting of the Hall will make the circus much more comfortable than if it were under the orthodox "canvas," as the building will be proof against wet weather, should such set in during the season of this talented company. The company consists of thirty-six males and females, of whom twenty-two are Japanese, and the circus consists of nine ponies, two goats, and eight dogs, all of whioh are thoroughly trained. The performances have been most highly spoken of by the Australian Press. Respecting the dogs it appears that the authorities have objected to their being landed, on the ground that they have not been in the colonies for eighteen months, as required by the Act, and consequently they still remain on board the s.a. Wairarapa awaiting reply from Wellington to telegrams sent yesterday respecting the matter. It will be a pity if the Government object to their landing, as the absence of the dogs will sadly interfere with the full success of the cirouF. In our advertising columns will be seen the full, particulars of the programme for to-night's performance, and there is little doubt but that the circus, the arrival of which in onr midst has been looked forward to with a large amount of interest for some time past, will be most liberally patronised. The main entrance to the circus will be from Welleßley-street, although entrance can also be obtained from the Queen-street entrance of the market.