FITZGERALD BROTHERS' NEW CIRCUS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2399, 22 February 1900, Page 51

FITZGERALD BROTHERS' NEW CIRCUS.

After an absence of two years, the Messrs Fitzgerald will visit Dunedin, opening on Monday, tho 26th inst., for a season of six nights. This well-known combination has always prove ( d a prominent attraction wherever they have played, aud on- the occasion of the present tour we are to witness an entirely new company Of artists of undoubted merit. The Messers Fitzgerald periodically make a trip to England and the Continent in search of the best and most startling novelties to be had, aud they certainly succeed in their missions. The present company appeared in Melbourne for a season of 14 weeks, and in Sydney for thiee months, with success, financially and artistically. Such an extended term in such critical cities must bo taken as a. guarantee of the gcauinencfes ot the v»iiou<s aiti-sts and animal novelties and sensations. Not only shall the public Jiave au

opportunity of seeing the lion and elephant riding a tricycle, but the more sensational item of a tiger riding on hoisebaek and performing many feats of equestrianism. This is no myth. The press is m accord in stating that this particular act is an amazing feat in animal training, and reflects the highest credit on Herr Lapf, who introduces the various animal performances. By the way, this will be the last occasion on which these particular acts will be piesented in New Zealand, as after the present tour they will revert to their original owner, Herr Carl Hagenbeck, who has purchased them from the Messrs Fitzgerald for the Paris Exhibition ; and Mr Tom Fitzgerald is at present on the Continent arranging for other novelties to replace them next season. Amongst those who will make their first appearance in Dunedin are the following lady and gentlemen artists. — Mdlle. Neredah Leon, a daring equestrienne; the Astor Sisters, in their aerial flights ; Rose Aquinaldo, a clevpr Cuban contortionist j Miss Daisy Sliand, the girl jockey rider; the Cmmzalla trio of acrobats ; Mdlle. Adelina Sarina, on the high trapeze; Rizzio troupe of pantomimists and tumblers ; and the celebrated Waldrof Family, 12 in number, who present their marble statuary, consisting of .Roman and gladiatonal poses, aided by prismatic effects. A daring leap and double somersaults over 25 guns with fixed bayonet 3 will be made by one of the company, and the concluding item on a long and varied programme will be the Grand National Steeplechase, in which 20 lady and gentlemen riders will take part, and will serve to introduce the blood stock of race and jumping horses, including the Queensland prize high jumper, Newhaveu, lately purchased by the Messrs Fitzgerald after seeing him negotiate a jump of 6ft Pin. Everything will be in readiness for the opening on the 26th inst. The ground selected will be the Harbour Board reservo in Crawford street. During the season matinees will be given on Wednesday and Saturday.