The Circus.

Southland Times, Issue 14512, 13 December 1900, Page 2

The Circus.

There was a huge attendance at the second performance given by "The Wirths,'' and although little fault could be found with the excellent fare provided on the opening night the performance yesterday evening { was infinitely superior, and was witnessed under conditions that considerably enhanced the general effect. Owing to fack of j time on the previous day a smallor tent than I the one usually used was put up, but yesterday this makeshift was fcakon down and a I mammoth pavilion erected. The seating accommodation was therefore much greater bu f every seat was occupied, and the vast crowd thoroughly enjoyed the show. The applause was more frequent und more hearty and the hilarity of those present knew no bounds. The ring and other internal arrangements had also been much improved, and the comfort of patrons having been carefully assured, their enjoyment was catered for with splendid success. The programme given on the previous night was ropoated with a few alterations, and in almost every instance the acting was an improvement on the first night, and judging by the applause that greeted each event the spectators were more than satisfied with tire circus. The j wonde ful performance given by MrJ. W. Cooke, England's champion jockey act rider, . again stood out prominently. Mr Cooke I entei's the ring without any announcement, I but his horsemanship soon impresses the entire gathering, and before he has concluded a long series of startling acts everyone is convinced that he is a marvel. \te had almost thonght that all that csuld be done on horseback had been done time and again, butMr Cooke introduces new feats that arcalmostincredible, and hisfinalact requires to be seen to bo realised. He was cheered to the echo and thoroughly deserved the praise showered upon him. Messrs Moid ton and Vautelle, on the triple horizontal bars, gave another fine exhibition of graceful yet muscular skill, and Mr Fred El Zobedie's hand balancing and contortions were received with loud applause. The military drill by a quartette of horses was again much admired, and the intelligence of the Transvaal stallion, Moncrieff, also delighted the spectators. The boxing ponies and the various othfcr items that formed the balance of a novel and pleaaiug eufcertainjnent were all ] worthy of praise, and well worth seeing. ' The clowns were funnier than ever, and kept the audience in high 9pirits. To-day there will be a matinee performance, and to it Messrs Wirth Bros, with commendable generosity, have extended a free invitation to the poor. This evening the programme will be entirely new, and as this will be the last opportunity of seeing this popular combination, a largo attenaanco is practically assured.