WOODYEAE'S ELECTRIC CIRCUS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 4464, 5 October 1883, Page 2

WOODYEAE'S ELECTRIC CIRCUS.

Last evening about two thousand people assembled within the circus marquee erected on the reclaimed land, being one of the largest audiences that have yet been brought together in New Plymouth. A goodly number of settlers availed themselves of the special train from Waitara and intermediate stations, and helped to swell the number. The entertainment is one of special merit, aud when a really good "Show" visits New Plymouth it is invariably well patronised. The variety of amusement afforded at a circus — the witty jests of the clowns, the daring feats of equestrians and acrobats, the welltrained horses, dogs, and monkeys — all contribute their quota to the production of an. ever popular and amusing entertainment. The spirit of the "ring" never flagged last evening, which speaks volumes for the ability of the ring master, Mr. Sylvester. Perhaps one of the items which attracted most was the appearance of a well-trained baboon, which performed grotesque feats on horseback, evincing adegree of intelligence and good horsemanship which astonished all who witnessed them. Miss Annie Shields performed some graceful acts on the high trapeze; and Miss Eva's dancing was excellent. Mr. Shields is the premier of equestrians, and he acquitted himself in a very accomplished manner. He turned a somersault on horseback, and vaulted from the ground on to the back of a horse going at a smart canter. This act was deservedly applauded. A rather sensational item was that of a young horse jumping through fire hoops and over the backs of two ponies. The vaulting of King Cousins, Duvalli, and other performers was quite a feature of the circus, and rare skill and rapidity of action were exhibited in the execution of the somersaults. The riding of Cousins, King, and Shields showed them to be experts gifted with extraordinary skill and daring, and the horses they rode were well trained, docile, and beautiful animals. Cousins appeared as an Indian chief on horseback, and his get up was remarkably good, while his exploits on horseback were in keeping with the bold fearless character of an Indian. Mr. Sylvester's trained dogs created a fund of amusement in themselves. To say that they were good looking animals would be a libel on the whole canine species, but what they lacked in good looks they atoned for in sagacity and cleverness. The little pet poodle was a quaint little creature, and appeared to carry off the palm. The clowns are decidedly funny fellows, especially Duvalli and Cusco, and their stock of witticisms appear to be exhaustless. The evening's amusement concluded with a farce entitled " Troublesome Servants," which was replete with ludicruous effect, and caused irrepressible laughter. The electric light was not shown as announced, owing to the machinery not being in working order, but wo believe it will be shown this evening. There was a good brass band in attendance. To-night there will doubtless be another large attendance, and from the enthusiasm that prevailed last evening the Circus promises to have a very successful run in New Plymouth.