AUCKLAND'S NEW CABARET.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 167, 18 July 1938, Page 10

AUCKLAND'S NEW CABARET.

Successful Opening Of the Metropole.

"What we want ie a bright and happy Auckland," said the Mayor. Sir Ernest Davis, in congratulating the promoters of the Metropole Cabaret on their enterprise ami objectives in providing pleasant entertainment. In complimenting them during an interlude at the opening ball on Saturday evening on the erection of Mich an up-to-date cabaret, he wished them every success in their new venture.

Simplicity allied to a modernistic note is a characteristic of the decorative scheme of the cabaret, and its conception was universally admired. The prevailing tone in the ballroom is rose pink in delicate shading.*, while the upholstered chairs and lounges are in a dark marine blue.

The lighting i e an exclusive feature of the Metropole, and the effectively designed ceiling is an attraction in itself with its automatic illuminations, changing every ten seconds, and diffusing three colours, blue, green and red, at the appointed intervals. Novel lamps were also suspended from special vantage points, and the frock ing of the dancers received the benefit of a delicately diffused glow.

The mezzanine gallery which encircles the ballroom is another outstanding feature, and with its cosily-furnished semi-cubicles, it affords a" pleasant rendezvous for non-dancers. Large cubicles and alcoves surrounding tiio room also provided ample accommodation for the guests.

Under an azure blue dome, scintillating with silvery stars, the orchestra was stationed, and Mr. Ern Beacham directed his colleagues in an inspiriting programme of the latest modern dances to rhythmical swing music. Cabaret attractions followed the Continental vogue of floor shows, and Miss D. Sands led a vivacious ballet in a series of dashing numbers that were enthusiastically applauded. Songs to the accompaniment of the band further completed the entertainment note. Rose and white are also the dominant colour* in the «upper room, which ie admirably devised for comfort.

Arresting the attention of the passersby ie the huge lighted sign denoting the creation of the Metropole, indicative of the brilliance of the interior and its correlative gaiety.

The Mayoress Lady Davis, was wearing a black sotiple satin frock with diamante motifs, and an iVory satin wrap. She was accompanied by her daughter, Mre. Murdoch Smith, who wore a black, rose and green brocaded tunic blouse and black ring velvet skirt; and her niece, I Miss Irma Mitchell, in an ivory and cherry taffeta frock.

Among those present were: Mesdames A. Kinder, Norman Hayward, E. C*urton, Arthur Churton, W. H. Ferguson, W. J. H. Wilcox, If. Wagner, Norman Brett, F. Abbott, Stanley Parker, W. Clemeon (Thames), Peter Wallace, R. J. Grimehaw, Norman MeLeod, C. Rang! Smith, A. J. Roberts, K. Allen, W. M. Leitch, Cecil George, Estelle Verran. E. J. Searle, R. Scott (Hamilton), B. Orr, K. S. Graham (Rarotonga), Ellis, Misses Joyce Xeiimegen. Dorothy Wood. Elizabeth Donald, Sybil Stewart, ilarjorie Bruce, Elinor Beale, Bobbie .and Betty Nairn, B. Barriball, Jean Kinross. Margaret O'Connor, Joan Woollams. Betty Colebrook, Jean Kinross, Natalie Stratton, Peggy Salmon, .Jean Myere, Joan Moberley, Joyce Richmond, Peggy Roberteon, Claire Savage. Dulcie Grinter. Marjory Dank*, N. Menziee, Nancy Gdwer, Estelle Snelling, Joyce Johnson, Betty Hope, Jean Scott. Mary Rogerson, B. Jenkinson (Hamilton), C. Dilger, Pe ggy Germann, Joyce Richmond, Joan Lancaster (Hamilton).