THEATRE-BUILDING

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2581, 1 October 1915, Page 3

THEATRE-BUILDING

'A BOOM IN PICTURE HOUSES. Mr. Henry E. White, the. structural engineer, who specialises, in theatre building, and who is'leaving for.Sydney to-day, has been entrusted with the planning of four new theatres during the past month, apart from those already in progress. The latter includes the new municipal theatre at Hastings i to be opened on October 18, a. fine modern two-tier theatre with the galleries supported with but one steel column, whicTi does not obscure the view from any one seat in the auditorium, and, a serviceable picture theatre which is to adorn the main street in P'etone. He has also the plans in hand of an elaborate continuous picture theatre, .which is to he erected by the New Zealand Picture Supplies, Ltd., on-, the site of the old Mariiie Arcade, Napier. This theatre will have a breadth of 66ft., with an adequate, depth, and will, in a commodious dress circle and stalls, accommodate from 120Q to 1300 people. Tho facade, will be judiciously elaborated in the Mission style, which is finding great favour. in. Australia, where Mr. White has planned 'several new theatres of late, notably- th» new Tivoli Theatre in Brisbane. There will be a central 'entrance to the new Napier theatre 18ft. : in width, a commodious shop on either side, and overhead suites of'offices. He is also completing tho working plans of a- fine big picture theatre to be erected in a central position on Gladstone Road; Gisborne, for Mr. Fred Hall. From tlie foregoing it will be judged that the picture business, in New Zealand is comparatively in its 'infancy, and that those people interested in it have plenty of" confidence in the future. Mr. White, who has permanent offices in Sydney and Wellington, liopes to return to New Zealand in a few weeks. ■ ■

Math'ew Sweltzor, taged 106 years and seven months, died at the Houso of Refuge of the Countv of Hastings at Belleville, Ont., 011 March 27.