COLE'S CIRCUS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3943, 7 December 1880, Page 3

COLE'S CIRCUS.

Looming this morning that the paddock opposite Ooker's Hotel presented a gay and lively Bcene, we instructed our representative to proceed to the place of enchantment and collect for our readors a full account of the many spacious pavilions and all their interesting surroundings. The menagerie was the first place visited, and a tender enquiry addressed to au unassuming and sedate gentleman in reference to the urobable whereabouts of Mr Cole, elicited the fa"cb that he might be all around the ground eomewhere. Our representative immediately started all around somewhere, and in due course lifted one of the openings of what proved to be tho canvas wall of the amphitheatre. He was immediately ordered by an unmusical voice to put down that "G-— d — canvas and clar out." As his object was business, our representative hesitated to obey, thinking that he might in time be invited to explain his purpose, but this hope was speedily dispelled. Again this command came forth, " Put down that G- — d — canvas and clar out at once." Our representative hereupon ventured an intimation of his opinion that this man clothed in a voice potential was "very polite." "Yes, G— d— polite," was the reply, " out you go," whereupon our representative meekly took his departure. We are therefore unable to describe fully tho tented field, or give any account of the variety of wonderful shows which the visitor will have to meander through before he succeeds in extricating himself from the labyrinth whon once he sets foot within the charmed ground. Subsequently, however, we were waited upon by an exceedingly amiable gentleman, who explained that the lion of the amphitheatre, whose roaring had so struck terror to the heart of our representative, was only a " canvas man," whatevor that may mean — possibly some new and entirely > original specimen of the genus Homo peculiar to the circus, and therefore unworthy of the notice of a gentloman possessing tho surprising dignity of our reporter. However, we are happy to bo able to announce that, having successfully overcome a! I the difficulties attending the making a settlement in a new country, the first performance of Mr Cole's great Bhow will be given to-night, doors opening at seven o'clock, and the exhibition in the circua tent will commence one hour later. The expedition witli which tho preliminary arrangements have been completed makes this change advisable to the managoment, and a full programme of choice features is announced. Tho grand Btreet parade, of which so much has been said, will . take place to-morrow

(Wednesday) morning at ton o'clock, as previously announced, upon which all the cages, vanß, and chariots of tho exhibition will be seen in cavalcade. The band waggon and band made a circuit of the city this afternoon, simply to apprise tho public of tho fact that tho firßt entertainment will be given this evening. All tho sensational attractions will be produced to-night, and tho great electric light will shed its refulgent rays upon the thousands who are sure to be present.