THE CIRCUS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5321, 16 April 1878, Page 3

THE CIRCUS.

TESTEEDaY’s AFTERNOON PERFORMANCE. This varied entertainment was liberally patronised yesterday afternoon, and immensely enjoyed by all present, the shrill treble of the four-year-old and the hearty guffaw of the countryman testifying to the keen appreciation of the humor of the scene. After the usual opening cavalcade and the performance of the trained elephant (already described), Abalardo. Lowande went through Ms striking acts of somersault equestrianism with an ease and grace which added to theneffect. The “Female' Samson,” Madame D’Atali. 1 , with her two pupils, then went through her part, amongst other novel effects placing a brass piece of ordnance of_ considerable weight across her shoulders, which one of her pupils; fired'off. After an exhibition of leaping by a crowd of athletes Mr. Batcheller essayed with success his astounding feat of turning a double somersault over no less than ten huge animals (five elephants and five dromedaries and camels). This was decidedly the biggest leap we have ever seen. Next the two tiny Martinhos appeared in the arena with their father, and went through the wonderful acts which we described yesterday. A pleasing, feature in these efforts was the evident enjoyment which the children themselves took in the apparently dangerous feats which they performed. Professors Libby and llichards having shown what could be done with connon balls and Indian clubs, a contrast was afforded in the juggling of Catnoshin, who with balls and a couple of light sticks demonstrated what wonders could be effected in the way of balancing. The “ Boneless Wonder” having proved the extraordinary elasticity of the human subject, the entertainments of the circus proper were brought to a conclusion by Signor Martinho Lowande managing with surprising dexterity seven horses at one time, and by Professor Johnson entering the lions’ den and showing his entire command over these beasts. The circus was followed by a really enjoyable concert, and the side show, where are located the learned pig and other attractions, was well patronised during the afternoon. But the menagerie alone is worth the money charged for admission. When shall we again see six elephants together in Wellington ? The two lions (one Asiatic the other African) are noble looking beasts, as is theirfemale companion; while the royal Bengal tiger shows the beautiful, if terrible, proportions of this scourge of the Indian jungles. Then there is the rhinoceros, one of two captured on the Nile by the well-known hunter, H. Paul, and brought by him to the United States.' Here also may be seen a specimen of the, shaggy and fiercelooking North American bison, captured with the lasso on the great plains of the American desert, stretching from to Utah territory. These are the plains, it will be remembered, on which the Prince of Wales enjoyed some exciting sport during his visit to the United States. . Here are , jaguars and deer, elephants and monkeys, dromedaries and tiny ponies—a wonderful collection, in sooth, to travel and see the world. The show all round is an unmistakeably “big thing,” and no one should miss the opportunity of seeing it. A number of children from the Catholic Orphanage, availing themselves of the kind invitation. of Messrs. Coopsr and Bailey, were present during the afternoon. EVENING PERFORMANCE.

In the evening the Circus was again crowded to repletion, hundreds being unable to obtain admission. The programme was gone through to the intense delight and satisfaction of the great concourse assembled. Each member of the troupe seems to particularly excel in his or her own line of business. The elephant Titania was loudly cheered for her various tricks and feats; Professor Johnson, her trainer, was also warmly applauded. The Female Samson went through her astounding performance in a remarkably easy manner. Mr. Batcheller repeated his wonderful leap, throwing two somersaults in mid-air over three elephants and four camels, Mr. Lowande, champion hurricane rider, once more performed the feat of riding and driving seven horses at the same time. The manner in which the young Lowandes performed standing on their father’s head with the horse going in full career was almost marvellous. The Menagerie was crowded with eager spectators, and the learned pig, the fire-eater, and the ventriloquist were also extensively patronised. To-day will be positively the last day of this great show here, and as _it may be ages before such another entertainment visits Wellington, we would advise all who have not yet witnessed it to take advantage of the chance and go to-day.