WOOD YEAR’S CIRCUS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2325, 9 February 1884, Page 2

WOOD YEAR’S CIRCUS.

This grand troupe visited Kumara again yesterday, and last night opened their large marquee iu the Recreation Ground to the inhabitants and visitors to Kumara. The seats in the stalls and pit were well filled, and there must have been upwards of 800 people present. The company of performers is much enlarged and improved, there being between thirty and forty performers, with a large number of horses. The entertainment opened with an overture by the band of soloists, when, splendidly mounted, entered the “Mexican Cavalcade,” a grand entree of eight horsemen and horses, who received a most hearty welcome. Next followed Zulu, the African artiste, who must be seen to be understood and appreciated, likewise the contortions of Miss Eva, and the wonderful equestrian performance of Mr Shields. The fourhorse act by Jack Cousins was a perfect masterpiece and elicited continuous applause. Cooraa Kitchi, the Japanese, is a perfect wonder, and has a series of special acts never before attempted in this colony. Albert King as the “British Fox-hunter” showed to much advantage, likewise did Duke Bambini as the “ Fire King.” The feats of Miss Annie Shields on the trapeze were deservedly applauded, and Professor Silvester’s performing dogs illustrated what can be accomplished by the careful training of animals. Cooma Kitchi then exhibited the feat of walking up a suspended bamboo pole 18 to 20 feet long, swinging, and twisting his legs around and sliding down at will, sometimes without the use of either hand or arm. Talbot Shields, as the “Bounding Jockey,” laboured under considerable difficulty in achievin'* his great feat of leaping from the ground on to the horse’s back when in full gallop, owing to the unevenness of the ground, but at last he succeeded and was well applauded. The two clowns, Duvalli and Cusco, were very amusing, and the ladder performrnce, in which Cousins, Gregory, Woodward, King, and Cooma took part, showed great dexterity and strength. A farce entitled “ The Barber’s Apprentice, or the Clown in Luck,” was highly humorous, and concluded the entertainment.

The electric light showed well durin® the first part of the performance, but by reason of some one laying hold of and breaking the wire, the current of course became disconnected and the light then failed. It was, however, reproduced. No doubt to-night the electricians will have effected a complete remedy, and it will be well worth going to see.

A new programme appears for this evening's entertainment, and the fine weather being experienced will no doubt have the effect of ensuring a monster attendance. °