FITZGERALD'S CIRCUS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 90, 20 April 1900, Page 2

FITZGERALD'S CIRCUS.

If any one of the large crowd which filled the spacious tent in which Fitzgerald Bros, held their circus here on Thursday evening went away not heartily pleased with the entertainment given they must have been peculiarly constituted. From first to last there was not a hitch or a moment's pause. The artistes are perfect in their different lines, and some of the items were little short of the marvellous. Not only was the high reputation of Fitzgerald's well maintained, but several steps in advance have been made since their last visit. The circus business proper was one series of high equestrian art on the part of the riders, and the magnificent training of both horses and ponies wis apparent to all. Nor must mention be omitted of a droll but clever turn executed by a monkey jockey mounted on a goat. The acrobatic performances were such as created the most profound astonishment, yet were all executed, especially by the lady performers, with a grace and dexterity which delighted all present. The troupe of acrobats, led by the champion Wm, Duckworth, who easily and gracefully bounded over 20 horses, were particularly clever in all their work. As to the lady contortionist, she executed &uch wonderful feats of balancing and tied such knots with the various parts of her body that seemed almost incredible, yet all was done with smiling assurance and ease. The elephant, tiger, and lion all showed the highest degree of care bestowed in training, and the trick ponies and horses could not have been better. Wonderful to relate, the clowning was throughly ei.jjyable, and the jokes good and to the point. The final steeplechase was not a mere gallop round the ring, but a real race right through the enclosure and round the outside again and again. The menagerie attracttd considerable attention, and was an object lesson to the j numerous Gbildren and many of their elders. Altogether we have much pleasure in congratulating the proprietors on an excellent show, which well deserved tLe very Urge attendance thatpatronised it.