WIRTH’S CIRCUS.

Waipa Post, Volume IV, Issue 189, 18 February 1913, Page 3

WIRTH’S CIRCUS.

TO SHOW HERE ON SATURDAY. The turning of the clock and the passing of the months have again brought with them a perennial source of joy and amusement to the old as well as to the . young, in circus, with its sawdust and spangles, its staid old ' horses and gay young equestriennes, and its jokes that never grow old. Messrs Wirth have always striven to introduce something out of 'the ordinary, and this year have again succeeded in their efforts to present something entirely new and wonderful, and the very full programme with which tlfey will open their season in Te Awamutu on Saturday evening next, near the railway station, is well up to the high standard set by the firm. The circus' opens with a grand parade, which proyides a fine spectacular treat, as it introduces the whole of the large company of over 300 performers, besides the huge herd of elephants, camel, buffalo, horses, and wild beasts. The turn, however, which causes the most wonderment is that presented by Hillary Long, the “ upside-down phenomenon.” Standing on his head, and without the assistance ot his hands, Long performs almost incredible feats, and with apparent ease and comfort. There is a very full menagerie with the circus. The gem of the collection is a troup of white polar bears and grizzly bears. Together with a couple of noble-looking •boarhounds the bears are brought into a caged enclosure in the ring, and under Herr Schmidt, are put through a variety of tricks which indicate perfect control on the part of the trainer, and a degree of sagacity on the part of the animals, one of which in particular causes a great deal of amusement by his antics. The performance is brought to a conclusion by an exhibition of rough and trick riding, and lassoo throwing by a band of American cowboys and Australian rough riders. Attired in bizarre costumes and rejoicing in surprising pseudonyms, the cowboys herald their coming by weird crys and shouts. Their trick and fancy riding is very clever, as also is the lassoo work, one of their number “Art Baden,” standing out particularly. The menagerie also includes a number of fine elephants, and will open from 4 to 5 during the afternoon.