NO CIRCUS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26703, 24 February 1948, Page 6

NO CIRCUS

DISAPPOINTED CROWD RAIN HINDERS UNLOADING There was considerable disappointment at Port Chalmers last evening, when the rodeo and circus which had been billed to appear there failed to put in an appearance. Not only did the bulk of the population of the Port arrive at the Recreation Ground confident of an evening of thrills and entertainment, but large numbers from Dunedin and elsewhere also answered the appeal of the circus and made a fruitless journey. It was not through the fault of the management of the entertainment, however, that no show could be put on. The heavy rain yesterday had prevented work on the wharves, and animals, properties and all the other impedimenta of the company were not put ashore in time for the performance to be presented as arranged. The unloading was completed in the evening, and the show will be presented tonight. From about 7 p.m. there was a steady stream of people heading for the Recreation Ground. By 8 o’clock there was a steadier stream going the other way. The weather was bad enough, but the disappointment was worse. All there was on the grounds were three dispersed caravans, traditional components of a circus lending a touch of irony. . , , , Faced with the prospect of delaying the opening of the season till Wednesday because no ships will be worked to-morrow, the circus authorities requested the watersiders to work last nifiht. This was. agreed to. and, with assistance from circus hands, unloading was completed at 8.30 p.m. The circus will open to-night.