THE GYMKHANA

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1920, Page 3

THE GYMKHANA

SELL’S CIRCUS ARRIVES

There’is glorious weather for St. Pat- . rick’s Day. The day is equal to the ; brightest and best Midsummer day, 1 j sind for the revels on Cass Square is i quite all that could be desired. A hard working Committee has organised matters well for the function, and all appears to be going off merrily. Sell’s Circus arrived soon after one o’clock the whole show making a very ; staid entry into town—the “crocks” \ gathered together for the occasion not permitting a more firey and untamed : parade. It is without doubt the best ' bad circus ever seen in Hokitika and all tlie town laughed at ti e excellence of the burlesque. Apart from the tired j mien of the horses drawing strange look j ing caravans, the circus was merry and bright ,wearing a very joyful aspect. I The parade was a sheer delight to the . I young folk who enjoyed every minute j of the fun. The members of the Muni- j cipal Band were responsible for this re- J markable show, and are to be congratn- i lated on attaining the hall-mark of success.

The parade was made up of a great mixture of units, headed by a ring-mas-ter, who rode at leisurely pace at the head of the cavalcade. Then followed the circus band, imitating with blare and blast the average musical production oif the itinerant circus. After that came two Merry Andrews wit'll grotesque heads, who surveyed the scene in stolid silence. Then came the per-

1 forming animals, including the “bear,” which is ordinarily yclept “Teddy.” There were many other grotesque participants in this remarkable show, inelud ing the Stella artists who were crowded into decrepit vehicles long passed the day of ordinary usefulness. Then, too, there were rough riders, with the eques triennes, and particularly Mr Bronco Bill, direct from the wild and woolly west. Charley Chaplin of course graced the occasion, and for this day only appears without salary—as the object is the hospital benefit. It was a great notable cavalcade built up with great care and attention to detail, and all concerned in this 1921 production of par excellence are to be congratulated upon their efforts. The performers included several lady members including the White Mahatma, who is capable of seeing wonderful visions of the future under certain specified conditions. Cass Square wore a very animated aspect. As tlie afternoon advanced the attendance increased and sports and pastimes full of burlesque also filled in the day to tlie amusement of the crowd which had mustered to be amused. • A large platform was provided for dancing and there the terpsichoreans held their revels footing it neatly. A large marquee housed the refreshment department where refreshments were dispensed by a hand of willing workers. The committee were all busy here and there attending to their duties, and making tlie proceedings “go” the merrier. It was a jolly day, and as the proceeds go towards worthy objects the expenditure called forth from the public was paid with a ready feeling that good causes were being helped along, CONCERT TO-NIGHT. Af the Princess Theatre to-night the i grand concert takes place in aid of tlie ‘ same object. The programme published in tliis issue is a full and attractive < one and a very large audience is as- 1 sured, DANCE TO FOLLOW. i After the concert, a dance will lie, held in the Supreme Hall, excellent music having been arranged for.