FITZGERALD BROS’ CIRCUS.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 870, 21 April 1903, Page 2

FITZGERALD BROS ’ CIRCUS.

A RECORD HOUSE,

Tue crowded house that greeted Messrs Fitzgerald Bros.’ circus last evening must have been most gratifying to the management, and wc-ll repaid them for the trouble and expense incurred in including Gisborncm their colonial tour. From au early hour in tho evening a large crowd commenced to gather in the vicinity of the Flagstaff paddock, and long before eight o'clock all the three shilling seats had been taken. Before the circus started the tent was densely packed in every part, and many had to be refused admission. Upwards ot 2500 spectators were present, tho gathering in every way constituting a record of the kind for Gisborne. A great many country people were present, and the special train from Ivuitarutahi carried over 870 persons. Messrs Fitzgerald Bros.’ circus has a Australasian reputation, and it is too well known to tho majority of our readers to require a detailed description. It includes the best artists that can be procured, and une event succeeds another in such a manner as to please the most fastidious.

Opening wiih liie groat cycle whiz act by the Dulavulus, and Messrs Shaud and West, Ed by Miss Kitty Deiavuie, the audience are treated to a truly wonderful performance in the way of cycling. Several expert performers ride at an angle of 05 degrees at a high rale of speed, and pass and repass one another in a manner that is bewildering to the onlookers and sends them away wondering how it is done. In tins act Aliss Kitty Uelavule is seen to great advantage, and Her graceful tiding is alone well worm seeing. Tile spectators watclied the per formancu with the keenest interest, Lho Maoris especially being wild with delight. The swinging bamboo act by iladjl Tubar was followed by Mr Leslie Si Leon’s four horse picluro act, winch was much admired. 'The trick ponies liurbelle and Barbette soon established themselves warm favorites, and the pyramid and chairs act by Mr J. West well deserved the applause that it received. Miss Amy Lean showed herseif a daring and expert rider in the hurdle and fire-hoop act, whilst Mr W. St Leon's performance was a most meritorious ouc. 'The performing elephant “Lizzie ” had hosts of admirers, and the cleverly trained pony Commodore caused both young aud old to go into raptures. Commodore was introduced by Mr Han Fitzgerald, who is to be congratulated upon the excellent manner in which he has trained the pony, which oau do almost anything but talk, and it even tries to do that, The trapeze act by Miss Amelia Leon and Master Bertie Tyler was one of the best items of the evening, the young lady especially being most warmly applauded. The war horse St, Just showed a remarkable degree of intelligence, whilst the Arabian wonder, Hadji Tabara’s performance was full of merit. Mr W. St. Leon introduced the bell-ringing horses St. George and Silver,' whose performance was much admired. Seldom has the Gisborne pubiie been treated to such an exhibition as that given by the Tylers, whose single and double somersaults on the feet are exceedingly clever. The beautiful Hungarian horses, introduced by Mr Han Fitzgerald, made a very pretty group, and formed ono of the features of the circus. Great interest centred round the tiger and horse act, in which act the former rides the horse round the ring, jumping hurdles, and performing many tricks. The circus concluded with a gtand exhibition oi high jumping by the celebrated high jumping horses, Bramble and Cadet. lu the first part of this act Cadet, being frightened by the people moving about the tent, foil, and the rider narrowly escaped injury. The horses both jumped well, and Bramble finally cleared a jump fill iU-in high amidst great cheeriog from the spectators, who were not slow to recognise the excellence of the performance. This afternoon a matinee performance will be held, and the season will bo brought to a close this evening.