AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11510, 17 February 1903, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

FITZGERALD'S CIRCUS.

The Fitzgerald Brothers are always to the front in connection with their circus performance, inasmuch as they invariably give an excellent programme, and have tlie tent brightly ana comfortably arranged. Though only arriving in the early hours' of yesterday morning, the circus last night was quite up-to-date in every respect. It was brilliantly lighted, and comfortably seated, whilst the programme was excellent. The cycle whiz, which opened the programme, is the performance which has been made celebrated at Home* by Mr Chas. Jones, a Christchurch boy. The cyclists ride round a timber erection like an enormous inverted saucer, at an angle of 65 degrees. fThe pace is terrific. Hadji introduced some clever work on the bamboo, and also feats after the manner of Zobeide, which are well done. The bellringing horses, which keep time to the band, are very good, as is also the clever Eyramid act of Mr West. The St. eon family are much in evidence. Mr Leslie St. Leon does a four-horse picture act, Miss Amy St. Leon a hurdle and fire hoop act very cleverly, and with Mr W. St. Leon, an Olympian act. The Delavales are excellent in their trick cycle act, both performing what appear to be impossible feats with the greatest ease. The trapeze act of Miss A. St. Leon and Master Bertie Tyler especially that of Miss St. Leon, fully deserved the plaudits with which the performance was greeted. A clever and effective act was that of saving the colours, in which the horse showed wonderful intuition. The war whoops of the Zulus might, however, be made somewhat more realistic. As given last night, they resembled nothing more than a dissolute assemblage of cats. The elephant Kitty, with a handsome Russian pony, went through her performance under the 'direction of Herr Zapf with much success, and the veteran Commodore, with Mr Dan Fitzgerald, claimed much attention. ' Two of the mos£ interesting items oat the programme were the Risley act by the Tylers and the Hungarian horses, introduced by Mr Dan Fitzgerald. In the former act the work was done with a precision which made it very enjoyable. The horses, under Mr Fitsjgerald, were a feature of the performance, while tlie tiger and horse act was loudly applauded. The band, under Mr Bowles, was excellent. Tonight the circus will again be open, and to-morrow the first matinee . will be given.