FITZGERALD'S CIRCUS.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 280, 28 April 1898, Page 2

FITZGERALD'S CIRCUS.

o . Some little time ago Mr Dau Filzgerald, with his head full of big ideas and his pockets lined with money (says an exchange) left Australia tor another trip to Europe, and while there he set himself the task of discovering something that would provide excitement and novelty for the Colonials. This he succeeded in doing, for he secured from Carl Hagcnbeck's Zoological Circus, Hamburg, a novelty in the shape of a full-grown African Hod, which rides round an enclosed ring on the back ot an elephant on a tricycle. This is shown at the circus, and it forms a unique and sensation*' act. Mr Fitzgerald also secured in his travels Mr George Haimston, from Hengler's Circus, Dublin, a somersault and jockey rider, and graceful lady eques triennes in the persons of Mdlle. de Bloude and Mdlle. Mille Datmar, With those attractions and others, together with the educated elephant, Fitzgerald Bros, have recently toured all parts of Austialia with success, and now they have brought Australia's largest, grandest and best amusement institution, consisting of two huge combined shows to startle the people of New Zealand. The popularity of the brothers, who are termed the " Barunms of Australasia," was evincid in Auckland and at the Thames, where the gigantic tent was taxed to the utmost to provide seating accommodation for the crowds long before eight o'clock. We are pleased to see that the public of Waikato will have an opportunity of witnessing this huge show, which is to arrive by special train next week, and the hearts of the younger members of the community will be thrilled with excitement and expectation till then. It is perhaps needless for us to go into particulars of the thousand and one daring feats accomplished by the gymmuts, tumblers, balancers, equestriennes and lady wire walkers, but we can say without puttiug the slightest strain upon the truth that this is the mest gigantic show which has ever appeared south of the line. At an entrance tent is located the menagerie, which consists of South African lions, two lionesses, one born at Adelaide Zoo, a black panther, leopards, an elephant, a- monkey and its baby, the latter born in Western Australia, and a cage entitled "The Happy Family," in which are located monkeys, an Australian emu, baboon, and a dog-faced monkey. The Auckland and Thames papers refer to the show in tho highest possible terms of praise, and as everything is to be shown at Hamilton, precisely as it was in Auckland—no part whatever being left behind—we cau safely predict a record attendance. The circus will be held in a paddock belonging to Mr W. Davis, of Hamilton, which is situated directly behind Mr T. Qualtrough's residence, which is eminently suitable for the purpose, and an entrance will be opened up for the occasion from Vic-toria-street. The show will be given at Cambridge on Saturday, April 30th., and at Hamilton for one night only on Wednesday, May 4th.