Open-Air Theatre Nothing New To Murupara People

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 82, 4 May 1949, Page 5

Open-Air Theatre Nothing New To Murupara People

The latest thing in cinemas, in America is the drive-in open-air type but it is nothing new in Murupara. For some time past now Mr E. King has been running the local Murupara picture show in the openair in a section behind his house, but only, as a temporary measure until his new hall is completed. Forms are arranged for patrons to sit on but many prefer to take their cars into the area and view the screen from there. The regulars who do take their cars in have their “reserved” sections and there is a gentleman’s agreement that no one takes anyone else’s place—unless he happens to get their first! The majority of car-sitters come from Galatea and on Saturday night there are many hurried milkings and hurried teas to get to the pictures for the best positions.

However, it is hoped that Mr King’s hall will be ready soon. In this venture he is on his own—building all of it by himself and it is not a small task by any means, as the hall* is designed to seat 1,000 people. At the moment there is a delay with roofing but the walls are just about complete. Set in solid concrete they are of concrete bricks for the bottom half and fibrolite, sheeting for the upper half. All the concrete for the foundations have been mixed by Mr King himself and all the water to mix the concrete and the mortar, pumped by hand—no small undertaking. The hall will be a welcome asset to the district, not only as a picture theatre but also as a general hall for dances and concerts. (And the car-sitters are yearning for the day they can have their Staturday night’s tea in peace and know that their “possy” is safe).