ST. LEON'S CIRCUS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12228, 14 December 1920, Page 5

ST. LEON'S CIRCUS.

In the year 1842 there was pitched on the corner cfrYork and Marketstreeta, Sydney, now occapied by the imposing warehouse of Henry Ball and Co., a calico sidewall, supported by freshly ctit saplings, which grew in prolific numbers i n the immediate vicinity. Large tallow flarea were usad at night time to illuminate the interior, where seating of the orndest description was provided for spectators. An orohestra consisting of a oonple of fiddlers, a tin whistle, and a sheepskin drum, discoursed the popular melodies of the day. Here it was that the amuseme: s seekers of Sydney gathered, nightly. There were separate galleries for the Vice- ; Regal parties and the various eilte, while nothing at all was provided for the "gods" of the period. On the walls of the city were pasted "huge" (?) one-sheet posters, announcing "Gus St. Leon's Circus has the honour of presenting a firstolaes company of eight actors of eminence, also the only man in the world who over stood on a horse's back."' This, then, was the origin of the circus in Australia. The St. Leons of to-day are the great grandchildren of the Gua St. Leon of '42. If only their ancestors could see to-day the circus provided, by his descendants! -The eight actors of eminence now number 58. The rider who was the first man to "stand" on a horse's back, is replaced by ladies and gentlemen turning somersaults thereon. His "two fiddlers and a tin whistle" would sound very fiat against the magnificent professional brass band of 14 soloists. Instead of tallow flares, one of the most modern lighting plants in existence provides the illuminations, while, though there certainly are different prices of admission, as in days of yore, today every patron has a comfortable seat. The calico "sidewall" gives way to a huge oanvas marquee, measuring 80 yards long fey 60 yards wide. The array of beautiful thoroughbred horses and ponies would, indeed, be a revelation. Yet St. Leon's Circus ol to-day embodies all these modern improvements, and is regarded as an institution throughout the Commonwealth of Australia. Opens Wednesday evening, December 15th, at rear of White Hart Hotel, Marton.