THE MIRROR OF THE WORLD.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5077, 2 July 1877, Page 2

THE MIRROR OF THE WORLD.

We have seldom more enjoyed an evening's entertainment than we have on Saturday, evening last at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, when the first public exhibition of the “ Mirror of the World” was given. We wore pleasantly surprised, in fact, because the. title given to. the entertainment is such as to lead to the expectation that it is, to a certain extent, of a stale character. But this idea, if entertained, is soon dispelled when the “ Mirror " is seen. It consists of a host of magnificent views of scenery in different parts of the world, exhibited by means of the most powerful lime light, and is accompanied by a lecture explanatory of the views, delivered in an easy and attractive style by Mr. Clifford. The chief attractions are the views of London and principal features of intex*est to be seen in that great city, the greatest in the world. We may mention the Tower for instance, and the wonders to be seen in the interior of that ancient pile, which is so full of historical interest. The Crystal Palace is also shown to perfection ; also the Mansion House, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and other places, to enumerate which on paper would possibly tire the reader without giving an adequate idea .of the exhibition; to witness which, however, is a great pleasure. To those unacquainted with London, these scenes will prove' especially interesting. Another great feature in the entortainmeut is the exhibition of views of statuary, selected from the principal galleries of Europe. They are made to stand on; with such perfection that it-is almost possible to imagine that one is looking' at the real stone figures, and very beautiful effects are gi to tho views by the varied color of , tints thrown on the screen. The vi of scenery in Australia and New also very accurate, and give a good idea ... the places represented. During this portion of the entertainment the lecturer stated that', his chief object in. collecting ' these yiews was to take them Home and exhibit them there for the enlightenment of the English people; because he had been astounded’ir” find what curious ideas were entertained > in the old country, by the great majority of the people there, as to the character of colonial life, believing for the most'part that colonial life’was one of strange adventure, and wanting in civilization. No doubt Mr. Clifford slightly exaggerated for fun's sake, hut wc can quite understand that many people in England would he astonished to fine! what im«

mense ‘progress the Australasian colonies have made during the past half century. We can honestly advise everybody to visit tho Odd Fellows’ Hall while the Mirror of the World is being exhibited. It is unquestionably entertaining, and at the same time very instructive.