WIRTH'S CIRCUS.

NZ Truth, Issue 82, 12 January 1907, Page 6

WIRTH'S CIRCUS.

On their oentral stand, close to Te Aro railway station, Wirth's huge tents have been packed every night since Monday ; indeed it is a marvel where all the people come from to crowd this big- holder, the Opera House, Fillers', and the Wes-t-Bres-cians show m the Town Hall. But they come from somewhere right enough, or they couldn't be there to do it as they do. Certainly the host of fun and interest supplied by Messrs Wirtih is enough to draw people out of the cemeteries, but none of the happy, laughing, cheering, well-dressed crowds observable every evening round the arena appear to be ex-cerneterians. It is a mighty programme and not a weak item m it, and of it all the turns that stand out best are Mr Phil Wirth's exhibition of his superb team of seven trained horses, the double Haute Ecole riding act of Misses Madeline Wirfch and Cook, that irresistibly laughable screamer, the - burlesque lady, bounding- jockey act of Lloyd, and the daring, graceful and thrilling aerkj act of the Herberts. To-night is the last of the all-too-brief, season, so all who 'have not seen the •circus and menagerie should seize the opportunity.

The committee af the Working Men's Club did a credita/ble action when they prevailed upon a number of the members of Williamson's Opera Company to give a concert m the Clivbi hall on Sunday evening last and it was pleasing to hear it announced that the Club's hospital fund had benefited thereby to the tune of some £25. As a musical treat the show was absolutely firstrdass, there not being a mediocre item on a programme of fifteen numbers ; while some of the turns would have graced any platform on G-od's footstool. The quartets by Messrs Testro; Wilson, Holden and Passmore, were exceptionally fine, while. Miss Jean Drummorid's "Aye Maria" would have added eclat to a grand concert at Covent Garden. The young; lady's grace of .■ figure and beauty of face are greatly m her favor and her voice is golden. She sang Hoben's beautiful setting from memory, and sang it m a way that wrought the crowded audience up to a pitch of excited enthusiasm that was inspiring to watch and bear. Miss Queenie Cadden gave "Mia Picarrella" very sweetly and has a pure soprano of good range , Mi9S Connie Milne delighted with a beautiful, and touching ballad, "The Children's Home." Messrs Stafford, Middlin (who has a s'wset tenor that is far above middlin') Stannis Leslie, Twicham, Wilson, ami Wilson and Illsley' (duet, "Anchored," very $obd indeed) contributed itJsros, and Mr Holden prov-

ed his versatility by reciting splendidly, "The Face on the Floor." A fine rendering of M Comrades m Arms" by nine gentlemen concluded the programme. The Club's orchestra, under the leadership of Mr H. McOomish, tjave two fine overtures, the"First Selection," .from "Faust" being remarkably well rendered. * The Club is- to be congratulated, and the performers well earned the splendid ovation that was called fqr and given lustily, all standing;. It is a good cause; the takings going towards the upkeep of three beds m the hospital, on which any impecunious member has a claim m sickness, or any member of the assisting companies, while m Wellington, who may be so unfortunate as to need such refuge. . . i