WIRTHS’ CIRCUS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22743, 2 December 1935, Page 7

WIRTHS’ CIRCUS

OPENING OF DUNEDIN SEASON The population of Dunedin was swelled by well over 100 people by the arrival by special trains yesterday morning of Wirths’ Circus for its Dunedin season of six nights and two matinees at the Caledonian Ground. Early as the hour wag a considerable number of people and the inevitable crowds of children gave the circus folk a cheery greeting, _ and their numbers were added to considerably later in the morning to watch the unloading of the many cages of animals and the ' hundreds of tons of gear used in this mammoth show. Grown-ups and children alike were amazed at the seeming ease with which everything was carried out —a shrill blast on a whistle and down trot« an elephant to stop obediently beside a huge wagon, and then at a Avord of command from its keeper either to push or pull it into the desired position, and then quickly trots off to another job. Indeed they seemed to know exactly what was to be done, and hardly needed any orders. Amidst all this bustle and excitement and the roarir." of lions, the barking of sea lions, and the excited chatter of dozens of monkeys—one felt instinctively the glamour of the circus. Mr Philip Wirth, sen., reports that all is well with the performers and animals, and claims that this is the largest and best circus he has ever brought to New Zealand. There are many new overseas acts and strange animals which he secured during the recent tour of the circus through Java; but Lady Betty, the only gorilla in captivity in the world, is sure to excite the most comment. Lady Betty is only four years and a-half_ old. stands five feet three inches, and weights eight stone and a-half. She makes her own bed, sets the table for guests, and generally displays an intelligence that is amazing. Wirths’ Circus has bad a very successful tour throughout Southland, and judging by the advance bookings its Dunedin season, which commences at the Caledonian Grounds at 8 o’clock to-night, should break all records.