FITZGERALD BROTHERS' CIRCUS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12401, 14 January 1905, Page 5

FITZGERALD BROTHERS' CIRCUS.

One of, the largest crowds seen at a circus in Win'g'attni'foria'long time as-! sem'bled in iFitzGeipald Brothers' big tent last evening, when the well-known circus pfoprietore commenced their twonights' season. The audience were appreciative, and, judging by their applause, enjoyed tli© performance. Taken altogether, the (bill-Jof-fare was of an interesting nature, though there vt as a distinct old-time flavour, about some <;f i tlhe items. Th© clowns acted up 'o tl-e traditions of their kind, and, for tho most .part, retailed old jokes. To (those of the audience who had not been frequenters of the circus tent these gags were no doubt amusing, but it would ■be well if some fresh material were made ' juseor. The event which was most looked 'Joriward to was the appearance of the -Japanese wrestlers. Their "turn" took ipiiaW abbuto the middle of tthe'pro.gr'amane, and prored 'both novel an'l :n----tei^estinig. The troupe consisted of six wrestlers and an umpire. They are stoapping .fellows, lithe and pdwerf.il. ,A considerable umount of formality is ttr^n^acted prior to, and during, the wrestling. As a bout proceeds the umpire announces the' different iho'dsh%h^ro tare some .70 crso used —and he is kept /busily entployed, his remarks fallowing one another in rapid succession. At the oonblusion of the wrestling, land after the champion ihad been proclaimed, *a couple of the Japs gave a aemonstr&tion of itheir alertness in rsgaiiiuig their feet after a fall. The proprietary have a very clever trapezist in M&s Ethel Ashton, who iperformed some daring feats on the high trapeze. She u\rd 'her sister Kate also performed a c'ever double ta^aipeze act. A really excellent juggling "Iturn" was given by Miss Sybil Biarrkjni, who proved 'herself an adepit in this line. A very pretty item was thsat cf Professor Cusoo's performing dogs, who gave evidence of careful training. The trick cyclist gjave a very good account of 'hwnself, but ihe had a Iheartibreaking <task, as the ring was of a vei*y soft and uneveji n'alture. The various horse acts were up to the sbandiard, the anmals being well under control, "Dr." Gordon, ifche strong man, repeated his marvellous feats of strength given hez-e on the oocasdon of the las* visit off the ciiricus to WanganuTT He added some new items, one ibeing the lifting by his teeth of a barrel on nvhic'h two men, were seated. Though jbhe clowns cannbt. be ' congratulated oil their originality, "some of •■ t-heir' work was really-'Stever. ' '' Otite .iteinii a.:la ATjomah,:was very iiinny^ land ~ miiph.ramuse4-jttbe, audience r -. -,The jj&rfprmiance.concliud^ .^'dthia'ihigh-jumping event, 'w*neniJ?iapo.leoiTi cleared oft.- Bin. Tlnis a'fiteirnoon a special matinee will :b<> given, when children will be admittied for sixipenoe. In the evening the farewell performance will be; given.