THE TRANSVAAL PLOT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10124, 6 May 1896, Page 5

THE TRANSVAAL PLOT.

THE CONDEMNED REFORMERS.

lEIR FATE STILL UNDECIDED.

POWERFUL INFLUENCES AT

WORK.

SIR H. ROBINSON'S VISIT TO ENGLAND.

LIKELY TO BE DELAYED.

BARNATO'S MINES CLOSED.

OPPOSITION TO THE CHARTERED

COMPANY.

THE -FEARS OF THE BOERS.

AN ABSURD PROPOSAL. Press Associatlon.—lClectric Telegraph.—Copyright.

Pretoria, May 4, The Executive is still discussing the question of reducing the term of imprisonment imposed on the members of tho Reform Committee.

The strongest influences in Africa are pressing for leniency, and the present outlook is more hopeful.

Capetown, May 4. Sir H. Robin -on is not likely to leave for London until the autum, as feeling at the Cape is opposed to his going.

Barnato's mines are closing down. They employ 15,000 blacks and 4000 whites.

London, May 4,

A Radical movement is on foot to cancel the charter of the South African Chartered Company and remove the name of the Hon. Cecil Rhodes from the list of Privy Councillors.

Sir A. Fraser, Agent-General for Western Australia, has asked Mr. Chamberlain to intercede on behalf of Walter Davis, one of the Reformers sentenced at Pretoria.

London, May 5.

Dr. Loyds, the Transvaal Agent, has complained to Sir H. Robinson that the reports that British troops are being massed at Mafeking have caused a feeling of disquiet, especially, as the officers alleged, they were destined for the Transvaal.

It is hinted that affidavits have been made by Boer waggoners, asserting that they wero hired to assist the invasion.

Sir J. do Wet, British Agent at Pretoria, has confirmed Dr. Leyds' complaint, and suggests a joint commission of inquiry.

Sir H. Robinson has given a peremptory denial, and scouts the idea of a commission as preposterous. He says that only 1490 troops are proceeding to Mafeking, and that half have not yet arrived. Frequent assurances of no

hostile intention towards the Transvaal are needless, he says. Sir H.

Robinson has also cabled to Mr. Chamberlain stating that there never had been the slightest suspicion or hint of the Jameson raid.

The Times denounces the conditions of Sir J. do Wet's suggested commission of inquiry as egregious folly.

CHORAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

The presentation ot Sir Arthur Sullivan's sacred musical drama, "Tlio Martyr of An- i tioch," by the Auckland Choral Society last night attracted a large audience, which , listened with every sign of appreciation and ■ enjoyment .to the reading given of this i popular work under the direction of Pro- , feasor Carl Schmitt, who had evidently spared no effort at the rehearsals to secure an adequate performance ot it. That his labours were not in vain was manifested by the successful rendering achieved last night. Ot course defects were noticeable, and some- ; times where least expected, but taking the concert as a whole Iho performance reflected great credit on all connected with it. The work ranks as one of the composer's best endeavours. Mo cultivated listener can fail to observe in it evidence of the writer's ripe individuality and power in every number of the music. Melodies extremely picturesque and charming in character abound, and are treated with rare genius and spirit, while they are set off to tho fullest advantage by orchestration full of fancy and colour. It iB not overburdened with heavy scoring for the instrumental changes, though it is occasionally beset with technical difficulties that require watchfulness and careful study by those interested, thereby giving ample advantage to the voices and securing greater variety of effect, while the vocal portion is fairiy divided between chorus and soloists. The first performance of it was given at the Leeds Musical Festival in ISSO. The work lies between an oratorio aud a cantata, so the composer has chosen to designate it " a sacred musical drama." The plot is laid at Antioch, in Syria, in the closiug portion of the third century. The part of the martyr maiden, composed for Madame Albani. was entrusted to Mrs. Tayler, who, considering the difficulties of the music, sang all through with cure, and as though she had giveu tho part careful study. That she was occasionally overburdened, was manifest more than once, for her voice is hardly of sufficient power to _ do full justice to the demands ol the music. Commendable features in Mrs. Tayier's interpretations wero special regard for expression aud clearness of enunciation. For her tasteful delivery of the beautiful aria, " Yet Onca Again,' and " God at Whose Word," she was deservedly applauded. The contralto air, "Io Paean," was rondored in finished style by Mrs. Coates, who appeared to advantage in the difficult air, " The Lovesick Damsel.'' A fine interpretation of the melodious solos assigned to tho heathen Olybius was scoured by Mr. G. M. Reid, who sang with dramatic energy and force, making every word convoy its full meaning. Specially effective was his performance of the fine solo " Gome, Margarita, Come," and Sweet Margarita," while his singing- ot the lines " Curse Upon His Faith" was marked with great dramatic fire and power. Mr. Archdale Taylor gave as usual finished readings of his solos," Brother Thou Slumberest" and " Break off tho Hymn," Ho also gainod a distinct success with Mrs. Tayler in the duo, "My Own, My Loved." The quartettes, " Great is Olybius" " Have Mercy Unrelenting Heav'n," evidenced careful preparation. These were retiderod by Mesdames Tayler, Coates, and Messrs. Reid and Taylor. As regards the ononis, they were most efficient in the greater portion of their share of the concert. Orispuess of attack, attention to tho lights and shades of the music, good intonation, and clearness of articulation wore notioeable features of their singing. The pagan ohoruses were rendered in fine style, while the volume of tone in the fortissimo passages produced a telling effect. Much animation and precision was gained in the chorus of Sun Worshippers," the basses and tenors in it being hoard to distinct advantage. The sopranos and contraltos were exceptionally good in "Uomo Away with Willing Feet" and "Now Glory to God." A nice effect was achieved by the staccato singing of "The Kings of the Earth Stand Near," while other well-rendered choruses were " Long Live the Christian's Scourge," " Lord of the Speaking Lyre," "Io Fasen.' The perfection of tone, nuance, and intonation in the funeral anthem " Brother, Thou art Gone Before Us" was all that could be wished. The several divisions of executants were present in the following proportions ;-Orchestra, 35; sopranos, 41; contraltos, '27; tenors, 14; ami bass, 29. The orchestra, artistically led by Dr. Cox, assisted by Mr. R. Yates, acquitted itselt admirably, considering the difficult musio they had to perforin. The opening introduction, short preludes, ami the organ solo arranged for orchestra were interpreted with regard to expression and phrasing, while the accompaniments were generally well executed, ana played in a subdued manner.