THEATRE BUILT BY VOLUNTEERS

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28362, 22 August 1957, Page 14

THEATRE BUILT BY VOLUNTEERS

Community Effort

At Granity

(From Our Own Reporter) WESTPORT, August 21,

An example of the fine community spirit of the Buller mining districts is being provided tn Granity township where almost every able-bodied man is engaged on a voluntary basis in erecting a new picture theatre to replace the building destroyed by fire in March last year. The residents have contributed £2OOO by direct contributions or through money raising schemes, the Mining Amenities Council has given £6OOO, and £4OOO has been made available in insurance from the old theatre.

The Granity Silver Band committee has organised the volunteer scheme whereby groups of men are engaged at week-ends on a roster system. The same groups have worked every Sunday, however, to cut the timber from trees in the Birchfield and St. Helens areas, which has been provided by land holders. A Mikihinui mill has been made available by a Seddonville miller, the timber and other materials have been carried at the cost of running expenses and a bulldozer has been used on the same basis of cost.

Various means .of raising money have been used, including the sale of scrap metal for £144, and the institution of a swear box at a hotel, the large profit from which is an enlightening comment on Granity men’s language.

The architectural work was done by. a young bandsman, Mr Maurice Kelly, and a bigger and more attractive theatre than the old one will soon be open to the public. At present, the frame work has been completed with 33,000 feet of timber made available at a cost of not much more than 150.

There will be extra gallery space and the main floor will be 63 feet by 44 feet 6in. In the foundations 75 yards of concrete were used.