THE CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4409, 1 February 1930, Page 2

THE CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN.

Wirth’s, which is certainly “t-lie” oii'ous as far as this country is concerned arrived in-town yesterday. It took two engines to convey the special train comprising the six trucks of elephants and 30 carriages and other rolling stock from Levin to Foxton. Crowds of children and adults awaited its arrival yesterday morning. Excited and expectant youngsters left their various coigns mi* advantage and crowded the platform as the train camc to a standstill and there was much speculation amongst the juvenile population as to what the closed in cages contained. But no one stayed to watch the monkies when a start was made to unload the elephants and troups of children followed these huge beasts .-•bout all day, marvelling at their intelligence and strength as they expeditiously carried out the un'oading and haulage work required for transporting- the circ-i/s to its allotment. A good crowd patronised the managerie in the afternoon and the performance at night drew a bumper house. The performance was the best that Wirths’ have brought to Foxton and interesting throughout. Clever animal acts, well-trained horses, amazing tumbling acts, and trapeze work and bright humour characterised the performance throughout. The bill opened with a wonderful turn by six huge white polar bears and four brown bears, who performed a series of feats with evident zest, and were finally reluctant to leave the arena and return to their cages. Madame Claudia Aiba, a famous feminine athlete, performed some astonishing feats of strength, the most remarkable being the holding ■of a 2241 b cannon in her teeth while hanging head downwards from a horizontal bar. The tiring of the cannon caused something of a sensation. The Lias troupe did amazing things with each other, the lighter members being juggled from foot to foot of the senior athletes with evident ease and grace. Mention must be made; of Messie Are.ona, who balanced herself on one hand near the top of the tent upon a long steel rod, which itself was balanced tremulously on her partner's forehead, a fearless act requiring unlimited nerve and skill. The Flying La Mars, who think notliitig of performing double and triple somersaults in the air while skimming from one swinging trapeze to another, provided a thrilling finale to a wonderful programme, which also included a clever quartette of (downs, Miss (iladys in her high school horse act, Mr. A. Clarke and his six black ponies, Miss Eileen May and her elephant military act, the great Miildpon, balancer supreme, Mr. Alfred Clark’s juggling on horseback, the Klarkoskies, Russian equestdias, and Miss Dorris and her golden statue horse, a charming act. Mi-. Phil Wirth, jnnr., was ling master. The hand under Mr. A. F. Newman, was well above the average and played enlivening music. The whole performance was such us to ensure a warm welcome for future visits under Wirth Bros.’ banner.