Panorama of the Zulu War.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1087, 15 June 1882, Page 2

Panorama of the Zulu War.

Thompson’s Diorama of the Zulu War has announced by the usual bills and posters its approach to Gisborne. We have never seen the Panorama, or, as it is entitled, “ The Colossal Mirror of the Zulu War,” and therefore cannot j’et personally judge of its merits, but we gather from other papers that it is well got up and attractive, and wherever it has been has drawn crowded houses. Not the least feature in this performance is the fact that our old friend, Lieut. Herman, accompanies Mr Thompson, with whom he previously served for-six or seven years, in the character of lecturer and “ illusionist.” We rejoice to welcome the dear old boy once again to Gisborne. We quote the following description of the “ Mirror ” from the columns of the Hawke's Bag Herald. “ The first exhibition of the Colossal Mirror of the Zulu War took place at the Theatre Royal, when, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, there was a crowded attendance in all parts of the house. Most of the paintings are truly works of art, and the ingenious arrangement of light and the mechanical effects render the mise en scene surprisingly effective. Amongst the many scenes that impress themselves upon the memory by their life-like pourtrayal we may mention the defence of Rorke’s Drift, where 83 British soldiers gallantly defend a weak position against 4,000 Zulus ; the saving of the colors by Melville and Coghill, who are shot whilst crossing the Buffalo River, but who do not relinquish the colors, which are afterwards found wrapped round their dead bodies ; the views of St. Helena and of Durban are also very beautiful, and the wreck of the transport Clyde is an exquisitely artistic production. The attack upon Colonel Pearson at Ekowe, and the march of Lord Chelmsford to Colonel Pearson’s relief, are represented with thrilling effect. The most startling incident of the panorama—the torpedo explosion—is excellently managed, and the instant change is a wonderfully effective optical illusion. The battle of Ulundi, the last bivouac and the death of the Prince Imperial, and the capture of Cetewayo are also splendid pictures. The explanatory lecture delivered by Mr. Thompson is very entertaining and instructive, and is delivered with freedom of manner, and correctness of emphasis. A distribution of gifts took place, Mr. Thompson nominating the recipients as each article was handed to him. A gold watch was the most valuable article given away. A valuable feeding bottle was also amongst the gifts, and was gratefully accepted by a young man.