THE CIRCUS.

Waipukurau Press, Volume I, 1 May 1906, Page 2

THE CIRCUS.

o —. WAIPUKURAU TO-MORROW

NIGHT. The Wellington Times refers in the following glowing terms to the entertainment provided by Messrs. Bostock and Wombwell, who have, regardless of expense, brought their vast circus to New Zealand : —The “ circus ” performance is, perhaps, best described by a reference to< Saturday night’s programme, and justice demands that first notice should be given to the concluding item, the “turn” of the Lukishima troupe of Japanese artistes. One of the five male members of the troupe was seen in a remarkably dexterous feat—that of swinging at either end of a flexible rope two bowls full of water. These were made to perform extraordinary gyrations, being whirled around in every direction, and scarce a drop of water being permitted to escape.. The next act was startling. One of the younger men of the troupe swarmed up a bamboo pole. This was then lifted by the male leader of the troupe on to his left shoulder, and was kept balanced there for quite ten minutes the while the performer at the top of the pole went through a series of most hazardous gymnatic feats. The Japanese who balanced the pole upon his shoulder never once lifted his hand to steady it. Its sole support was his shoulder. The concluding act was the most sensational that has been seen here for years. The lady of the troupe w r alked up a rope from the ground to the roof of the tent, gripping the rope between the great toe and the next of each foot. There was no net beneath her, and she only carried a parasol for balance. Having safely arrived at the top of the sloping rope, she changed the position of her left foot so as to grip the rope with all the toes, let herself go, and slid rapidly down'to her starting place on the ground.. v This dangerous act was carried out jjj with the utmost coolness. On its " successful conclusion the audience . burst out into tumultous applause. A feature of the Lukushima troupe’s, turn was the magnificence of their robes. Another sensational act,, calling forth admiration for courage and nerve, was that of Signor Bertani, who perfor med remarkable A feats of balancing upon unsupported ladders. As an equilibrist this gentleman can have .few peers. Messrs Jarvis and Campbell introduced a very neat and skilful juggling act greatly enhanced by clever

comedy work. The latter portion of the turn was indeed unique, in that the ‘gags” were all original and ridiculously fnnny. Mons. Menier, “ the human ostrich,” set people staring with astonishment. Gungi and Dolwi, two clever musical clowns, created no end of mirth with some comical patter and “business,” and evohed music from the most improbable sources. The Brothers Pastor also provided a great deal of merriment as well as interest, in an aerobatic musical and comedy turn. Miss Mona contributed a couple of graceful dances and the orthodox interlude for the clown (the only trace of the usual circus) was provided by Jackies, who also introduced two exceptionally clever performing dogs. The greater part of the entertainment took place upon a small carpeted stage, the reserved chairs occupying the “ ring.” An Italian band provided excellent music throughout the evening. At the close of the entertainment there took place in the menagerie tent an exposition of wild-beast training by Herr J. Hohenadl, whose daring performance with a group ofNub'an lions made a striking climax to an altogether remarkable evening’s entertainment. The visit to Waipukurau is for one night only, to-morrow (Wednesday) night, when the capacious tents will be pitched in a paddock near the hotel. The prices of admission are 4s, 3s and 2s.