NORTHCOTE'S NEW THEATRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 151, 29 June 1927, Page 13

NORTHCOTE'S NEW THEATRE.

HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL OPENING BUSINESS AND SOCIAL PROGRESS. The accommodation of the new theatre at Northeote was fully occupied last evening on the occasion of the opening function. The greatest satisfaction was expressed with the arrangements, and of the high standard of the programme presented. In declaring the theatre open, the Mayor of Nortticote, Mr. A. E. Greenslade, referred to the erection of the pile of concrete buildings of which the hail formed a part, as an important milestone in the business progress and the social advancement of ihe district. These business premises constituted a vast improvement to the main street, and were calculated to prove of great service to the whole borough. They included a commodious garage nd service station for the Waiteruata Bus and Transport Company, and four shops for the Bus Company, "*Vssrs. P. King (bootmaker), J. Breunan (confectioner), and F. J. Hallett (chemist).

In addition 'here was this large theatre, dancing-hall, and meeting room, with its spacious stage and supper room; its well-finished interior of solid plaster; its modern lighting effects; its comfortable seating accommodation .or 500 or more patrons, and this, too, on a single floor, following the American modffn practice of eliminating galleries.

These important business and social facilities had been made possible, continued the Mayor, by the commendable enterprise >f Messrs. E. J. Fraser and Company, which firm had backed its great faith in the future of the district by a substantial financial outlay. The theatre had been leased for six years to Mr. R. H. Bret nail, Rousing cheers were then given for the new theatre, the owners (Messrs. E. J. Fraser and -Co.), and *he lessee and manager (Mr. R. H. Bretnall).