WIRTH'S CIRCUS AND MENAGERIE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 38, 21 February 1901, Page 2

WIRTH'S CIRCUS AND MENAGERIE.

Theiumh always scmtthin" attractive a : )DU<; fi, really good circus wrnVh seems t:i draw all sorts and conditions of { «■- sjjis. To soma it is the leva of snimals and the delight afforded by their trainc d intelligence, to tubers the dash and smartness inherent to those en< »i r,nmonts appeal to their tastes, to many she exhibitions of clover .loss and skill have a pjrfcieularchaim, whileH others fig Kpice of danger and excitement is irresistible. Oae thing is certain these shows always suit the papular taste, but eich year the critical faculties of the .spectators grow more fastidious and as b. congequowce proprietors who kuow their buiineja a>id v;Juo their reputation have to keep >r'.co wiVli papular requirements. Rewj •■ he necessity for obtaining a continuous supply ef novelties and the best of artists. Messrs. Wirth Brothers are a standing example of thoroughly up-to-date business men in that Hue. Where they shine most is whore the greatest power is required and that is in the excellence of their novelties and the artistie finish given to all the items performed. No tiina is lost from start to finish, and from accounts to hand the overflowing audiences which have been present at the various towns visited have boen lavish iu thei' 1 applause. The cleverness of the performing bear is said to be marvellous, and lovers of greyhounds are "truck with wonder at the lu.tpiDg powers of the hound possessed by Wirth Brothets. As specimens of high training the boxing ponie3 are a groat credit to their master, while the bucking elephant is an irresistible attraction aad full of, fun causud by aspirants for the honor of securing a certain fall. The whole of the horsss have been chosen with much care and taught their business in a finished style. In " star " artists the Oircus contains a oomoination that bears testimony to the keenness which Messrs. Wirth have shown in picking up the very best material in tlw course of their travels round the world. Noturally the clowning has been well looked after and it is not only funny but clever while, " Dummy" puts in a lot of really good work. Athletes of surprising skill and finish on the horizontal bar are run close for honors by 'the world's champion hand balancer," and each of tho (tquestrian acts is said to be a masterpiece of its kind, Special praise is accordad to the lady members of the Oomp*ny ino'uding clever horsoback juggling aud a performance on the mystic ball. The performing lions, tigers, <fcc, are ef themselves a great draw and help to complete an entertainment that is siid to be one of the best that has ever been provided in tho game line. Above all acetylene gas is used, greatly adding to the comfort o* the sp?ota,t»rß, j