WIRTH’S CIRCUS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIX, Issue 1093, 23 March 1911, Page 17

WIRTH’S CIRCUS.

No matter why it is, the fact remains that the announcement that a circus is to visit us is always hailed with delight by both young and old. To the children there is nothing like a circus, and they look forward to a visit to the huge tents as they would to their approaching Easter holidays from school. And not only is it so with the children, but with “grownups” too, and though the latter are perhaps not so keen as the youngsters, they nevertheless make it convenient to pay at least one visit when opportunity offers. But possibly we are just as keen as the little ones though we may not be ready to admit it. Messrs. Wirth Bros.’ whose name is a household word when circuses are being discussed landed, as per announcement, in Auckland on Saturday morning together with their menagerie, etc., and at seven o’clock the same evening the huge tents were being visited by large crowds of people all anxious to see Lizzie in particular, and the whole circus in general. Of course, besides the menagerie we are accustomed to see acrobats, jugglers, skilled riders, funny clowns, etc., and the combination now proving a magnet at Victoria Park is no exception. For some unknown reason the management did not provide programmes and in consequence the writer is unable to give the names of the various artistes. First and foremost perhaps is the performance of a team of acrobats in which a couple of ladies play an important part. Dressed in ordinary female attire, with long skirts they perform some amazing feats when one considers the way they would be hampered by their clothing. To see them turn double somersaults with all the ease and

grace that could be expected is, to put it mildly, surprising and their item is the best of the evening. Next we have a very clever juggler who performs many astounding acts with billiard balls, walking stick, hat, etc., each and every item being carried out with that neatness and accuracy which is essential to success. His turn is not without its touch of humour and the manner in which he carries out his tricks creates roars of laughter. Then there are the trapeze artistes, wire-walkers and various

others always associated with a circus, while the performance of a handcuff king, who frees himself after being apparently securely manacled lends variety and is at the same time clever. The clowns, who are worshipped by the youngsters, are acrobats and comedians of no mean order and they never allow the performance to drag. The Messrs. Wirth Bros.’ have always been noted for their exhibition of animals and on the present occasion they have gone one better than ever before. You could hear a pin drop when Herr Rudolf, with only a whip enters a great iron cage in which

there are lions, a tiger,' a bear and other animals and to see this person, by a word of command, make the animals, which are his master at any time should they get out of control, go through various tricks, causes the audience to hold its breath and there is a general sigh of relief when the beasts are back in their cages and out of the arena. The “draw” of a circus is the menagerie and in leaving this till the end it must not be thought that the one now on exhibition at Victoria Park is not up to re-

quirements. Far from it, the collection of animals now on exhibition is without doubt the best yet presented to Aucklanders and that is saying something. The “star” is Lizzie, a three-year-old hippopotamus the first to be brought to Auckland. Then there are lions, tigers, several elephants, who by the way give a turn themselves performing many interesting tricks. A three-legged pony is another attraction which claims much attention. ISSfCs hmt’fiiaitS- shrd cmf vbgv Taken all round the combined circus and menagerie is an exceedingly

good one, and well-worth a visit. However, it may be as well to inform readers of one or two items which they may not be prepared for. In the first place to closely inspect Lizzie it will cost an extra shilling, which hardly appears fair to the public, who are under the impression that the entrance fee to the circus entitles them to see all there is. The action of the management in making a side-show of Lizzie was the subject of much comment. Of course, Lizzie is brought into the arena and in a cage is drawn round the ring by an elephant but only once and as the cage is fairly dark, it is almost impossible to get a view of her. Then again there are two ponies, one with three legs, and the- other whose hindquarters are those of a Zebra, while his head greatly resembles a mule, but to view this pair costs an extra shilling, as they are in the same tent as the hippopotamus, hut unlike her, are not brought into the ring at all.