CHIARINI'S CIRCUS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 4131, 18 October 1884, Page 3

CHIARINI'S CIRCUS.

This world renowned circus, the arrival of wHch in Napier will be remembered xor as a red-letter day by hundreds o youngsters, opened this afternooiito ahrgc and delighted audience. The numbeis that attended were not in tho least to ; bcpondered at considering tho state of excited curiosity into which the inhabitants have been thrown by the entrance of the circus into the town. Nor is there anything childish in the curiosity that has thus been shown. A rircus all the world over, is the most attractive exhibition that can be offered to a Pritisli public. But when a circus is asCo»st,f nope 'o * • SdrS 8 York to Amtalu

riders, or in tho splendid training of the performing animals, that this circus derives the chief charm of its existence to the older •nes amongst us who remember the glories of Astley's and the "terrible ride of Mazeppa." These are memories that will never fade, and it is to give to the young ones what was once given to us, to watch their faces as they drink in deep draughts of pleasure; to see them change from hilarity to alarm, from open eyed wonder to the marvellous climax when their feelings break out in loud hurrahs, these are tho real pleasures of the circus to those who can enter into tho spirit of childhood. l-ival of Chiarini's circus tit Napior offers another reflection. Five years ago when the circus was last in New Zealand, tins town was passed over as not being- big enough for such a "show," and it speaks volumes for the enterprise of Chiarim, that he should bring his enormous establishment here, and hope by tho intrinsic merits of his circus to cover the tremendous daily expenses which it involves. The entrance to the circus is through an arched tent facing the Provincial Hotel. This is done so that all classes of tickets may see tho menagerie, for which differing from some circuses wo havo known, there is no extra admission. Entering- by the right the first thing that stiikes a visitor is a neatly arranged fruit and light refreshment stall presided over by a Hebe of Russian nationality. As we go along the first cage we run up against is that containing tho lampoon monkeys from Borneo and Celebes. The next to meet our view arc two long legged Australian birds, one of great size, tmjcmu, and tho native companion, which are sure to be objects of very great curiosity to our young people as we'll as to the Maoris. The leopard and black panthers arc the next to encounter, they aro from Java and Sumatra. The next cage somewhat resembles a sheep truck in'that it seems as if of two compartments ; it is what is known as a telescopic cage, so that when the animals are resting the cage is only half of the dimensions as when the public are viewing it with admiration. In it are five specimens of the king of the forest, and grand animals they are. The lions will not be the least attractive part of the show. It is but fitting that the beasts which at times divide supremacy with the lion should occupy the next cage—the occupants being three grand specimens of the Bengal royal tiger. The ponies are always the pets of tlie youngsters, and as there are nino_ of them, many different nationalities being there will be no lack of opinion as to which is the best of the collection. Some of them arc from Java, others from Shetland, Burmah is represented, and one who is the playfellow of the Zebra is a New Zealander. " The black and white horse" of the juvenile mind—the Zebra—is there in all his glory, and like all the animals shows the wonderful care bestowed upon him. Perhaps one of the most taking points in reference to the animals is the splendid condition exhibited by each and all of them, the only thing wanting being ahalf-starved looking animal, for such cannot be found in all the collection. The two elephants from Ceylon, named Mytoo and Lechamy, are still in the growing stage, but are as docile and playful as a lapdog or a kitten. Tho " sacred cattle " from India or cows as they are sure to be dubbed by precocious youngsters, with the littlo humps close up to tho necks, were white when they left their homes, but owing to the colder climates in which they have had to sojourn since they are gradually getting a dun color. Leaving the menagerie to enter the circus, those with tickets for the stalls go to tho right, those for the pit to the left, while holders of dress circle tickets occupy tho centre, and for their ease carpeted chairs arc provided, as well as matting for their feet. The performing horses number over thirty, and are of every conceivable color and breed, Prussia, Andalusia, England, and the colonies all being represented. Tho "blood" is of good pedigree, as may be inferred from the fact that Gladiateur— the neror-to-be-forgotten treble winner of the English Two Thousand Guineas, Derby, and St. Lcger—while owned by Count Legrange, who only died the other day lias a representative in the stable. The music stand, from which sweet music is discoursed by a highly capable band, is placed opposite the entrance, and near which the horses enter the ring, the dressing rooms being- behind. A sketch of the programme will interest our readers. The performance begins with a grand overture, the cornet solo alone by Professor Yon dor Moydcn being a treat of itself. The march round of horses mounted by the ladies and gentlemen of the company follows, and is succeeded by what wo may term the '' school of physical education." The educated Zebra is next presented, followed by musical clowns by the Brothers Faust. Then come feats of equestrianism, wonderful acts of dexterity, the elephant, and acrobatic agility. The Faust family, every member of which is a genius, possessing some speciality, affords an exhibition which by itself would command crowded audiences, but when their clever performances are interspersed in a programme that never permits the interest to flag, the family's appearance is welcomed by shouts of applause. The circus will bo opened to-night, and we predict a crowded audience will greet the performers.