ST. LEON'S CIRCUS AND MENAGERIE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2887, 29 January 1886, Page 2

ST. LEON'S CIRCUS AND MENAGERIE.

The largest gathering which has taken place in Kumara for some years was congregated together on Wednesday evening in the monster tent proprovided by the St. Leon's Circus proprietors in the Recreation around, Main road. The doors were opened at seven o'clock so that people could see the menagerie of wild beasts before the Circus performances. By the time these commenced, eight o'clock, the Pit (so called) was well filled, and the Stalls more than half filled. It is said that about thirty persons were unable to gain admission to the Pit, and walked away. As it was, there was about £2OO given for tickets. The collection of wild beasts is not a huge one, but it is an interesting one. The tigers, leopards, bears, a, u l camels attracted most attention. The camels were as tame as pet sheep or lambs; they are said to hav« belong! to the ill-fated Burke and Wills axnc pedition. The Circus performa-tces commenced with the usual grand entry of eight horses, with their .ideis gaily attired. These went through some" qnailriiie manoeuvres with w.ind.'.'ul precision. The double trapeze acts by Messrs Tindall and Pitman, which followed,

were much applauded. The Russian trick horse Abdullah, in the hands of Miss Vernon, was very tractable; the same horse subsequently waltzed round the ring. The Awkward Squad was very amusing. Little Gns St. Leon, a four and a-half year old child, brought down thunders of applause by the way he drove two little ponies round the ring while standing- upon them barebacked. An exceedingly clever balancing feat was performed by TJar on the slack wire, ou"which he divested himself of his outer garments and put them on again without losing his balance. There were three clowns, Messrs M'Leod, Dural, and Bliss, who get off some excellent fooling. A double equestrian act by Gus St. Leon and Mr Victoria was very spiritedly given. Two or three heavy showers of rain fell during the performances, which necessitated several ladies and gentlemen in the stalls changing their seats. On account of the rain, probably, many of the best feats of the Circus acts were omitted.

The company, wilh their horses, wild beasts, waggons, and paraphernalia left yesterday morning for Stafford, where they performed in the evening. To-night and to-morrow night they perform at Hokitika.