BURTON'S AUSTRALIAN CIRCUS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 822, 30 November 1878, Page 2

BURTON'S AUSTRALIAN CIRCUS.

As we are shortly to have the opportunity of witnessing the performances of the Burton Circus Troupe, the following short sketch of the history of its well known proprietor may be interesting:—"This gentleman is associated with the early professional history of these colonies. Our first recollection of Mr. Burton's public life extend back some years. In lS47heappearedpi-ofessionally as Mazeppa in Cook's Circus, in the City of Edinburgh. His daring rendering of the character was highly appreciated by the public and his principals, with whom he remained some years. Mr, Burton's first connection with amusements in these colonies commended in 1851, in which year he introduced the first

company of seranadcrs, kno.wn as Blythe Waterlands Troupe, which opened in the Royal Assembly Rooms, Sydney, under the patronage of the Governor (Sir Charles Fitzroy). Their performances were deservedly popular, the concerts being attended by the elite of the young city. Shortly after this iie organised a circus, with which he opened in Bathurst, JN.S.W. After visiting the various goldfields, which at that period were numerous and where money was plentiful, he travelled overland and opened in Melbourne, the then infant city. From then till the present time Mr. Burton has been nearly always travelling at the head of his circus, and visitiDg periodically all the towns and cities of Australia and Tasmania. His travelling stock for overlanding on the tours numbers between fifty and sixty horses and fourteen vehicles. Mr. Burton, who has always been known as an honorable and courteous gentlemen, as well as a shrewd, energetic business man, has amassed a large fortune, and has for some years possessed large pastoral estates in Riverina, N.S.TT., where he breeds much of his own stock for the circus, and in the paddock at Kedbank (the name of Ins residence) may now be seen many beautiful colts, destined some day to make their appearance -in the arena. Mr. Burton keeps to his circus purely out of a love for it. He encourages athletics, and ho delights in the training of his horses. He is a keen sportsman, fond of his dog and gun, and when the circus is laid up during the winter months, lie has the means of indulging his tastes, having on his estates plenty of iishing, shooting, and kangaroo hunting."