BOSTOCK AND WOMBWELL'S CIRCUS AND MENAGERIE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8124, 1 June 1906, Page 2

BOSTOCK AND WOMBWELL'S CIRCUS AND MENAGERIE.

Dostock & Wombwell's world-famed circus and menagerie opened at New' Plymouth last night to one of the largest audiences ever seen under tent in Taranaki, The drawing power of a circus is always magnetic, and in the present case it exists in an unusual degree. One evident reason for this is that the present circus is run on entirely novel lines, and is a complete departure from the entertainment that gonerally goes under that name. It is an improvement, more in accord with

the trend of modern taste, and espocally delighted in that all the ingredients cf the show are new. Nono of the " turns" have ever been seen hore previously, and all of them are clever. There are the elements of sensation, skill, daring, and humor, a mixture that keeps spectators pleased and interested from first to last,

The programme submitted was as varied as it was charming. The most popular feature without doubt was the truly marvellous oxhibition ot the Japanese troupe. Words cannot convey to the understanding of any not present the wonderful foats oerformed by these acrobatic masters'; the performance has to be seen to be realised.

The twenty minutes " turn " is in itself well worth the.admission price. "Gundi " and " Dolwi," the men of many instruments, scored a huge success, and kept their audience in merriment during the whole time of their appearance. "Happy Jackles," the clown and his performing dogs were much appreciated, as was Miss Mona Clare in her Parisian da-ices.

Jarves and Campbell, scientific and comic jugglers, were greatly enjoyed. Their hoop and bottle work was of an uncommonly high order, and was one of the foatures of the evening. Other performers were Mons Menies, the human ostrich; Signor Bertani, and the Pastor Bros. The show is a first class one in every particular, and should draw another big house this evening. THE MENAGERIE. The menagerie is very varied and includes some rare creatures. There are a score or more of the monkey species, including a blue-faced mandril and several grotesque-looking apes. The sea - lion, attracted much attention. There are many kinds of ruminating animals. A miniature horse (17 inches in height) is to be seen in a sidj show. Of carnivora the company have some splendid specimens, the lions boiag well-grown and in good fettle. Panthers, leopards, wild cats, hyonas, and other strarige beasts may be seen camels, dromedaries, an elephant, nn.ilopos, and ' birds of multicolored plumage. As an objoct-lesson in natural history for children the minagcrif, including, as it does, creatures from almost all foreign countries, would bo hard to boat.