LION TAMER’S ESCAPE.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 October 1925, Page 3

LION TAMER’S ESCAPE.

(Grey Argus). A somewhat sensational happening occurred in the big lent t I Perry Urns. Circus shortly after six o'clock last evening, when the storm began to get severe. The lion lamer of the circus. Senor Montana. wa> putting the performing lion and lioness through their paces prior to thi> show, when a sudden gust of wind caused the sodden canvas of Hu- lent in Han suddenly against the steel performing cage in whii h Senor Montana and the two animals were. The force of the blow capsized the cage which collapsed on fop of the lion> and their trainer. Fortunately the animals were pinned in such a way by the steel (-ratings Unit they were unable to make their escape: otherwise Greyinoiith would perhaps have rivalled Auckland in tlio mutter nt v.ilil imim.il hunting at: home.

Acting promptly, and with great presence of mind. Senor Montana si-rambled out from amidst the ruins, and with tin- assistance of the ring hands, succeeded in getting the twe lions back into their travelling cage Shortly afterwards a narrow escape from another serums accident ht-fel the people of the circus, when one -if the draught horses of the show got its hind leof caught in the tackling of the main pole of the lug tent, and in its e(Furls to free itself knick<-d out several pegs. Only the promptness of the circus hands in freeing the frightened animals, and securing the tackles prevented the whole ram-soaked canvas top collapsing on top of them. Owing to the increasing violence of tin- gale, the management decided that j it was too dangerous to hold a porformI a nee. and the tent was lowered, many would he patrons having to he informed that no performan e would take ! P'hee.