AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 80, 27 November 1912, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

BARTON’S CIRCUS

A BIG ENTERPRISE

An observant traveller once said oi the Australians that they were amuse■Jient mad, and, in so far as it is just at ail, the remark might, perhaps, be justly extended to New Zealanders. Yet amusement is one of the indispensable ajdjuncits of civilised life. Perhaps -‘if the dawn of civilisation, it begins with very trivial jests and primitive practical jokes, which were the originals of the masterly feats now seen in the flower <ff their perfection in such a circus as that of Messrs Barton Brothers. The popularity of all amusements, and especially of those that make a wide appeal to public tastes, is therefore deeply rooted in nature. Most men and women, too. must work, but to he healthy and happy, they must also have a fair share of recreation and amusement. Hence, in a community like our own Show time should ho a welcome time, with its gatherings of people From all | quarters, and its numerous attendant amusements. On the occasion of its last visit to Stratford, Barton Bros.’ circus was thoroughly enjoyed by all who witnessed it. Since then Mr E. -I. Bartow hqs returned to New Zealand from a tour in search of frost 1 attractions, and, so successful was hi# quest, that a great improvement has been effected even upon its former excellent showing. The enterprise arrived here this morning, and created much interest as the long convoy of waggons and horses paraded the streets to the site of to-night’s entertainment. The houses and ponies, to-the number of 70. are all in excellent condition, and the waggons hear-

mg the colours of the firm (red and yellow) bore in every way testimony to careful management. As circus proprietors the Barton Brothers have gained a reputation which they may well be proud of, and on the occasion of this visit patrons may rest assured of witnessing a programme brimful of novelties in every department of the show. The Wanganui Chronicle (Thuredr.y, November 14), in commenting on tne performance, said that “the t.f/pLuse was nearly', frequent, and spontaneous, and at tlie conclusion, as the audience trooped out, expressions of approval and deligiit could bo heard on all sides. ( From start to finish there was not a dull moment, and the pleasure of the evening was enhanced by the courtesy shown to patrons by the little army of attendants. Clever and sensational performers, well-trained and well-condi-j tinned horses, sparkling costumes, ex-j cellont music and expert managementj are the outstanding characteristics of; Barton Brothers’ successful enterprise, I and the result is a really good show.”! But, in fact, the reputation of the' firm is such that there is no necessity to enter upon further eulogy. The prices of admission to the circus are 2s, 3s, and 4s, children Is to all parts. A rare collection of wild beasts will be on vjew free to all at 7 p.m. The circus band will play selections in the ■ open air for half an hour before the performance.

THE GEISHA. To-night at 7.45 p.m. sharp, the brilliant New Plymouth Operatic Society will present this chcanning musical opera in the Town Hall. The Society will present this charming musiPlymouth, when they staged this opera some two weeks ago, and if the box plan, which has every seat reserved, is anything to go by, the New Plymouth Operatic® are assured of a real bumper house this evening. The cast, winch! is a very strong one, includes Miss Olive Packman, sister to Miss llosina ! Buckman, the well-known actress, as O’Mimosa San; Miss Kathie Bennett, as Molly Seamore; Mrs Dell, as Juliette the French girl, Mr Jack Haslaml as Fairfax, and Mr Will McEwen as Wun Hi, the Chinese tea-house proprietor. Mr .McEwen is simply “immense” in this part,- and his song “Chin Chin Chinaman” and dance, are bound to be well received, for in New Plymouth he received a double encore each evening. A feature of the programme will be the ballet, introduced in Act 11., and performed by four charming young ladies, under the sole direction of Miss F. E. Bedford, danc-| ing instructress. The scenery is; simply gorgeous, and besides there be- 1 ing a chorus oft 80 voices, there is a full opera orchestra of 20 instrumen-j talists. The management have char-J fcered a special train, which is leaving New Plymouth at 5.35 p.m., returning after the performance (stopping where required), Geisha patrons only will be| allowed to travel on this train. The prices are as popular as the play—4s, 2s 6d, and Is, and the doors will open at 7 p.m.

BERNARD’S PICTURES. The present bill screened at Bernard’s will see its finale this evening, and a real fine collection of subjects they comprise, from the pathetic to the gay. To-morrow evening a huge change will take place, the management having secured a gigantic double programme of films that will take the eye of the most fastidious. “Agriculture by Motor,” “Cattle Fair in the Argentine,” “Smallest Ponies in the World,” “Poultry Farming,” are all scientific pictures of highest calibre. The star drama, “The Siege of Petersburg,” is undoubtedly the greatest set of war pictures introduced to 'New Zealand. It is a rousing, two-reel tale of love and war. The central feature is the long mine driven by General Grant under' the Confederate defences; the discovery of the scheme by a spy, and the dramatically disas-[ trous defeat of the Northerners as: they charge in through the “Crater”) left by the explosion of the mine. I.h-| terwoven with the main plot is a charming Southern love story, culminating in the noble self-sacrifice of a Confederate officer.