WIRTH’S CIRCUS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9393, 13 March 1909, Page 4

WIRTH’S CIRCUS.

Wirth Bros.’ world-famed circus and menagerie, making a combination of seven shows, is to be opened on Monday, March 15th, on the wellknown site near the railway station, and it is sure to be welcomed by an immense attendance. The v arrival of the special trains conveying the circus to Marton on Monday morning, March loth, will be the event of the year, from the youngsters’ point of view, and the oldsters, too, will not be indifferent. Wirth Bros, are, as caterers for the public amusement, everywhere appreciated, and their enterprise in adding so largely to their show since they last visited ns will no doubt be well repaid. Among the new artists specially engaged are the Sydney Brothers, the originators of bumpty-bumps on cycles, throwing somersaults on. motor cycles and bicycles. Another great feat is that of extinguishing two lighted candles while leaping with a bicycle. Another extensive engagement is tliat of the Les Orottons, hand-balancers and comedians, in marvellous feats of strength. In addition there are the Qamon Brothers, Spanish acrobats, who perform a sensational act, assisted by an exceptionally smart dog, who performs almost human tricks. One of the many star attractions of the entertainment is the great animal act. It is absolutely the greatest turu the Wirths have ever imported. From England come two clown comedians of note, who have appeared before royalty— Pastore and Bebe; and from Germany two eccentric comedians, Otto and Emil. Ilket and Jenny are equilibrists who achieve sensational one hand balancing on high ladders—in fact, quite people of eminence. After six years’ absence there will be the reappearance of John Welby Cook, champion jockey act rider. There will also be the reappearance of the whole of the late Fitzgerald Bros.’ menageries, which were purchased recently by the Wirth Bros., and this is combined with Bostock and Wdmbwell’s menagerie. • The horses will include Maori, the champion jumping pony of New Zealand, and Lady Morton, the champion high-jumping horse of the world, with a record of 7ft. 6%iu.; while much interest is likely to be centred in the great polar bbar and the “tall figured ’’ giraffe—a quadruped that has already cost Messrs Wirth Bros, over £llOO. This animal is of no value as a beast of burden, it is useless as a back or in a sulky. It cannot be milked like an ordinary cow, yet a shrewd circus entrepreneur has cheerfully paid for it a sum that would easily purchase the nucleus of a fine dairy herd. This animal is liable to sudden death from excessive timidity. The snecies to which this animal belongs is far and away the dearest in the world. One of these spotted animals is generally reckoned to be worth an assorted dozen of lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and jackals. Yet in spite of its being so costly it is very stupid, and a keeper must be constantly on the watch to guard the animal from injury. It possesses, however, two unique qualifications. It is the tallest animal in the world. It is also the only animal in the world that is absolutely dumb. Its . diet consists of milk and porridge, and raw onion and salt, and phosphates and oats and chaff and hay.' It shares with certain of the community a rooted antipathy to water. But this is only internally. The Zoo will be open from 4 till 5 p.m. !