The second performance of the triple bill by the Whangpoo Strollers on Saturday night attracted to the Lyceum Theatre considerable, but remembering the merits of the acting, a by no means adequate audience. The enterprising management might have expected the house to be filled, in view of the congratulations elicited by the first representation, and the reduction of prices to almost the extreme of popularity. However, those who were present—and they included the Taotai and A numerous suite which overflowed into five of the private boxes—were so liberal in awarding well-earned ap; ouse, that the comedy, operetta, and farce went with a spirit of animation delightful Without being obliged to exercise the authority of the pruning knife, which even the most tactful and courageous manager nf an amateur company hesitates to Mr. P. P. Congo, by shortening the int ductory and incidental music—excellently performed by the Town Band—and "bustling" the general entertainment Jong, reduced the time of its duration very considerably, so that it was finished well he-fore midnight. The first and last pieces henefited materially by this acceleration, whilst the charming operetta was as faultlessly as on the previous Saturday by those who were then pre he reengnised as the highest praise. Bailiff, the one-act comedy which bey: the evening, was interpreted in a ligh vein by the performers, notably Mr. Morton in the difficult part of Dani Gratton, the unfortunate one, Less lu dbrions it yamed so that the well-worn lines upon it is constructed were not constantly inviting criticism. The second performance was a distinct success and Mr. Morton, his daughter Miss Morton, Mr. Umber and Mr. St, Clair can he sincerely complimented upon the result of their effo meerning Widows Bewitched, the operetta which followed, it is hardly necessary to do more than endorse the terms of Juudation applied to its first hearing. It would he long before the eye and ear would be satiated with the manifold beauties of its presentation. The captivating grace of the mus found the most expert exponents in Mrs. Douglas Dick, Miss Morton, Mr. P. P. Congo and Mr. Gorby, whilst the scenery and dresses composed _a stage picture of unusual beauty. Encores wore discouraged as much as possible, but nevertheless the audience on two or three occasions demanded them with such persistence that the performers could do nothing but accede to the flattering request. A very cordial note of praise must be given Mr. Crompton for his occupancy of the joint and responsible offices in such a piece of musical conductor and accompanist. Playa second time, A Family Failing, which fulfilled the programme, was. fa more appreciated than on the former occasion. The spirit of its humour is of certain antiquity, and not one of the characters appeals to our sympathies, so that far more than most farces it depends for success upon the capabilities of the actors. Tt was performed a good deal more rapidly than before, and this fact alone helped immensely. "Miss Cupplesune, Mr. Vestible, Mr. L. A. Berdie and Mr. P. P. Congo by sheer conscientious acti achieved a distinct success almost, it may said, in spite of the piece which is not worthy of their talents.
Wirth's Circus Company gave their frst performance on Monday night under trying circumstances. The dreadful state of the weather of Into has prevented any movement out-of-doors with comfort, ud though the rain kept off on Monday night still the weather was doubtful, and therefore. many residents preferred to stay quietly at home rather then run any risks. Still the Circus tent was well filled, though not fully crowded, byon audience determined to enjoy themselves, and the management of the Circus were actuated by a desire to give them every means of carrying out this laudable intention, A very. good and varied programme had been provided which embraced 20 items, and not only was commendable punctuality observed, but there was no waiting between the turns, one number succeed-another almost before the audience d that some fresh attraction was before them.
in the Star and Garter Waltz, little Elsie After the opening entrés of the Company St. Leon gave a clever performance on the high trapeze, which was loudly applauded. Then Mr. P. H. Montgomery introduced tivo handsome sorrel ponies and put them through an exhibition of training which was highly approved. Miss Ida Vernon next appeared in an equestrian act and was followed by three little girls who gave a pleasing and clever representation of 1 "Phe Alabama Coon," which drew loud applause from the audience. Some very uxl riding on three barebacked horses by Miss Nellie Lyndhurst then followed, and she wax succeeded by Mr. Alf. St. Leon his dog "Dan Stuart," and the audience would gladly have seen more of the dog the act allowed. The performance on lo Wire by Miss Muriel Wirth which came next on the programme was extremely interesting, and was followed by another good act when Mr. Montgomery showed how completely he had trained the clever pony Nelly. The first part concluded with some daring harehieked riding by Lahl Sing, who went through a very trying, act without a fault.
After a brief interval the second part opened with some excellent horizontal bar performances by Lahl_ Sing and another good gymnast whose name did not appear, and this was followed by a capital ques: trian act by Miss Ida Vernon and Mr. Montgomery. Oneof the horses first brought out went Mme, and the succeeding number, which introduced the Lilliputian Contortionists, was proceeded with, until Nellie could take the place of the lame steed, The act was carried to a finish, and very attractive it proved. Miss Nellie Lyndhurst then appeared once more in a Tnrebacked act picking up handkerchiefs from the ground while her horse was at full speed, which was one of the best acts of the evening. Some fun with three clowns followed, and then Miss Kate Montgomery, quite a child, did some extremely clever barebacked riding, which was highly apbreviated. The performance closed with a Medley of n May Pole Dance and Steeplechase. Altogether the performance was highly commendable and the audience was very enthusiastic. The only drawback was that the tent was not sufficiently lighted, and the naphtha lamps that were used were very objectionable, but. perhaps the Manager, Mr. Cameron, will find some means to remedy this. If the weather only becomes fine there is no doubt that
and the talented artists will meet with the Wirth's Circus will prove a great attraction, support which they deserve,
was given on Tuesday evening, and threat-second performance at Wirth' Cizeus ening though the weather was at 9 p.m., there was a very fair attendance. There are many points of excellence about this "The horses ate admirably trained.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.