DIORAMA OF THE RUSSOTURKISH WAR.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 839, 19 July 1879, Page 2

DIORAMA OF THE RUSSOTURKISH WAR.

Rainor's Diorama of the Russo-Turkish war, consisting of nearly 70 magnificent views, of all the naval and military engagements fought by the contending hosts of the Colossus of the North, and the followers of Islam, will be exhibited to-night in the Masonic Hall. The artistic scenery of this Diorama excels anything hitherto exhibited in the Colonies, and the whole of the views are depicted with a distinctness and reality that almost equal those produced by photograph. The Press thoughout the Colony has most favorably noticed the Diorama, and we can safely predict that it will be appreciated by a Gisborne audience. The N.Z. Herald, speaking of the performances, says : — The curtain rose and disclosed a beautiful view of Constantinople, {following with the scene firing the first gun at Ibrail. The next view, that of the large river Danube, was much admired by the a adience. As the different scenes passed on, the lecturer (Mr Harry Stanley) explained each of them in a very distinct manner. The battle of the fortified camp of Plevna was loudly applauded, as was Mr. Stanley's famous song, (( We Don't Want to Fight," which conoluded the first part of the programme. After a very short interval, " The Blowing-up of a Turkish Turret-ship by the Russian Gunboats," was exhibited, and elicited great, apt lause. The roaring of cannon, and reports of rifles, amused the young folks in the gallery, who stamped their feet with such fury that order could not be "maintained for some time. The third part of the programme opened with a beautiful scene, " The Battle of Gorney-Dubuic," which was very much applauded. The next scene which attracted most attention was ''The British fleet in the Dardanelles," passing on to take up their position in the Sea of Marmora, to protect Constantinople from attack by the Russians after they had passed the Balkans on their march to San Stefano. This was followed by Mr.. Stanley's song, " We mean to keep our Empire in the East," which was loudly applauded. " Constantinople by night," was a splendid view, thousands of lights were seen shining from the buildings along both aides of the Golden Horn. The audience was so lost in astonishment, that there" was scarcely a sound heard as this scene glided past. " The Russians taking a List look at Constantinople," brought the third part of the programme to a close. The ' ' Grand Funeral Piocession of President Lincoln," concluded the programme. Several presents were givee away, including a handsome gold clook, enclosed m a glass shade, a tea and coflee service, and several other useful gifts. This will be the last exhibition but one, and the music by the orchestra, under Mr. Matthias will be entirely new, as also the songs by Mr. Harry Stanley.