Star.
London, England, 1830-03-23 00:00:00

ENGLISH OPERA-HOUSE.

ti esterlay a meeting was held of the blends of Mr. Arnold
is the toncert-room of the King's theatre, pursuant to public
arerisement, for the purpose of taking into consideration the
best mode of re building the theatre, as well as to endeavour in
vin• manner to compensate Mr. Arnold for the loss he had sustained
ty the late calamitous bre. The meeting was highly respectable ;
besides many noblemen there was a large attendance of the corps
sirenkstiqw.
The Marquis of Ayt.vintrav was in the chair. His lordship

sddressed the meeting. and said that they had assembled for the
jr,:tpose of considering the best plan to be adopted for re-building
tlie theatre. lie would not trespass on their time, but would refer
ti.ein to the report of the committee which would be read to them.
H. to:Mooed his observations by saying that he was most anxious
to give the objects of the meeting his most cordial support.— (Ap-
)1,11,4e).
Mr. Illattcw, the solicitor of Mr. Arnold, then read the follow-
ing report :

.• It may, perhaps, be desirable to put the meeting in possession
of the preliminary measures the committee have thought necessary
to adopt. beaming with pain that in consequence of the omis-
sion of Mr. Arnold to insure the property for 8,0001. which by
his lease he was bound to have done, a forfeiture had been incurred,
they took the earliest opportunity of seeking a conference with
the solicitors of the Marquis of Exeter, Mr. Arnold's ground land.
lord, the result of which was a proposition on the part of the
committee, and communicated by the solicitors to his lordship.
In reply to which proposition, the Marquis, although declin-
ing to waive his tight of re-entry, is pleased to express his regret at
31r. Arnold's misfortune, and his lordship's strong inclination to
assist him by granting a new lease, should Mr. Arnold find himself
in a condition to rebuild the theatre. In a just confidence that the
expectation thus held out by his lordship will be eventually realised
the committee did not hesitate a moment in taking such steps as
seemed to them best calculated to promote this object. A meeting
was accordingly convened of the old renters for the adjustment of
their claims, and the committee are gratified in being able to state
that a large majority of them most liberally consented at once to
abandon a great proportion of their annuities, to postpone even their
remaining claims, in favour of the new renters, and to relinquish
their five admissions, which were secured to them under the deben-
tures. The committee also lost no time in causing plans and esti-
mates to be made for a new theatre, and it is found that on the most
moderate calculation it will be impossible to rebuild the theatre,
with its indispensable appendages of machinery, scenery, ward-
robes, musical and dramatic librariee, furniture, and all the expen.
sive department denominated properties, under the sum of 40,0001.
The plans are now submitted to the meeting, and from the novelty
of its construction, affords security against a recurrence of a similar
cats: trophe, they trust will in the highest degree prove satisfactory.
It is proposed that the theatre should be insulated—should be se
contrived that by aid of party walls the greater portion of the pro.
perty shall be insurable at nearly the common rate of insurance....
like wardrobes, the music, and library—all the various and expen-
sive articles denominated properties—being placed apart in build.
ings absolutely detached from the main edifice, and under separate
roofs communicating by bricked arched passages only, and asps.
rated by unperforated party walls.
" In the construction of the new building the committee recomsl
mend to the trustees (to whom the property is to be assigned for the
benefit of the new renters) stone and iron to be used wherever they
can be applied judiciously; the best supply of water obtained, the
most approved apparatus for extinguishing fire provided, and an
effective and vigilant system of watching adopted, to afford additi.
oval security to those whose property may be embarked in the thea-
tre. To carry these plans into effect the committee propose that the
sum of 30,0001. should be raised by debentures, viz. 120 at 2501.
each, entitling the holder to an annuity of 121. 10s. for sixty years,
with a free admission, transferable annually, to all performances
under the English Opera license. The purchasomoney to be paid
by instalments of 501. and only to be called for as the mak proceeds;
and no greater number of debentures or rent charges will be issued
than what is now specified. On the subject of securities the tom.
unitise, in conclusion, beg to call your attention to these further
considerations, that, the old renters having abandoned their claims
as before stated, the new renters will, when the theatre iserected,
rest them upon an entirely unincumbered property (the landlord's
claim excepted), upon a very valuable leasehold property, which
will be more amply secured by the insurance to be regularly effected
on the buildings, and on all that part of the daily accumulating pro-
perty which will be separated from the body of the theatre itself, as
also by the value of the adjoining extensive premium, and by the
licenses attached to the theatre, viz, the English Opera license;
the lord chamberlain's winter license for musical performances and
recitations; the proprietor's share of the license of the French plays;
sod the magistrates' license for music and dancing, and other enter.
tainmenta of the like kind. Such are the plans of the new theatre,
and the proposals for carrying them into execution, which the tom.
mittee have, on a due consideration of the subject, thought expedient
to lay before the public."
Lord CARRINGTON rose and said, that, though he had not the
pleasure of knowing Mr. Arnold personally, he had come there out
of regard for that gentleman, whose merits were so well known and
appreciated by the public. He regretted his own incapacity to do
Mr. Arnold that justice which he deserved, and therefore, instead of
occupying the time of the meeting, he should at once read the re- I
solution which he had the honour to move. Ile then moved a tests.
laden declaratory of the merit of Mr. Arnold, and his claims upon
public patronage and sympathy. Previous to the resolution being
put, he concluded his observations by stating, that, in addition to
the calamitous fire, the extraordinary, unexpected, and undimmed
distress of a gentleman, to whom the public were so greatly indsbesd,
formed an appeal which no British heart could resist. (Cheers )--
fly the talents of Mr. Arnold, music was restored to that state of
simplicity which touches the heart and speaks the language of all
nations. Independent of those claims, the national honour was
identified in the restoration of the theatre, and he was quite sure that
that honour would be supported by the liberal assistance of the
public. (Applause.)
Sir A. BARNARD seconded the resolution, which was carried
with acclamation.
The Marquis of SALISBURY took that opportunity of hearing_
testimony to the merits of the gentleman in whose behalf they had
assembled, and Iris unremitting exertions at all times to gratify the
public by the restoration of music which had fallen into disuse. It
was meet gratifying to lay before the meeting the promising &um-
sial statement which had appeared in the report. All that was re-
entired As die reinstating of the theatre was 30,000;. and he had no
doubt that the required sum would be obtained without any dia.
culty. His lordship then moved. that, in order to effect such a de.
sirable object, it was the opinion of the meeting that the above sum
should be raised by rent. or shares of 2501. each, entitling the
holders attach shares to 121. 10s. annually and transferable free ad.
missions. And he (the noble marquis) was of opinion that those
terms wire sufficiently advantageous as to induce him to invest
his money, for the prosperity of the original concern was strong
evidence that every thing here promised would be realised.
Mr. O. Roaiss seconded the resolutions with many pertinent
observations.
Lord CAsrLtassou would not occupy the time of the meeting
by making a speech, but at once set example by placing his name on
die list fig a share.
Sir W. FREMANTLE, after many complimentai obaervations to.
welds Mr. Arnold. followed his example.
Sir G. (.Leas, as one of the committee, observed, that, fiom the
manner Mr. Arnold conducted the former concern, the fullest re-
liance might be placed on his management of the present proposed
we, at d also put down his name as a subsa.ber.
Mr. Swint?, solicitor of the Waterloo-bridge Company, said that
when he entered the room he had no intention of parting with his
Ismael ; but so satisfied was be with the security that he would pet
down his name for a share ; and be further added, that although
the huddini was to cost 40,0001. Mr. Arnold would subscribe
104010 i. rendering the security beyond all question.
The Marquis of SALISRUR Y observed, that in addition to the
10,1)1*.. Mr. Mould would aro amigo other property to the amount
el tale! pir annum. (Applause.)
The list was then opened. and tit/Hy-one shams were immediately
stobscribcd for; miter which thanks were 'Used to the noble choir.
tif an,fiu.d the name% separated.