ST. FRANCIS HALL

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 68, 13 December 1933, Page 6

ST. FRANCIS HALL

New Stage and Gallery ROOM FOR 700 PEOPLE Since its recent enlargement and alteration St. Francis Hall, Hill Street, the parish hall of Thorndon, Js the best-appointed ha.ll in Wellington. Comparatively new, St. Francis Hall, ample in proportions and happily situated in its overlook of the grounds of Parliament, was always conveniently placed, and that Father Smyth was able to liquidate the debt on the building in ten years shows the demand for such accommodation. This has now been improved out of all recognition. By acquiring and demolishing an adjoining house in Guildford Terrace, the church authorities have extended the building back, so as to provide fqr a properly-equipped stage-24ft. in breadth and 23ft. in depth at the southern end of the building, where there was formerly a blank wall. Not only has a stage and ample dressing-room accommodation been provided, but the stage has been fitted with every convenience for concert and /theatrical performances. There are two rows of borders, provided with 200 candle-power blue, white, and ‘amber lights, which may be used in any combination or singly; with the aid of dimmers any strength of light, from full sunlight to “.the last faint pulse of quivering day” can be secured. There are also coloured floodlights in the revolving prompt and o.p. entrances for the creation of special lighting effects. There is also amp.le footlight provision, with a complete mask-out as far as the public is concerned. The lighting of the hall harmonises in the decorative scheme. The toning of the walls begins with a soft gold, and gradually shades off to the palest I of canary creams near the ceiling. The painted walls have been neatly panelled, and in the, centre of the panels on either side of the tastefully framed proscenium are the monograms “S.F.H.” in fanciful design. It is possible to switch off the main hall lighting and leave only a pleasant pale golden glow from the concealed lights on the side walls.

St. Francis Hall is now provided with a handsome gallery, with a 56ft. span. This will seat 112 people. That means that the actual seating accommodation of the hall is approximately 700. Real upholstered theatre seats, some 200 in number, have been secured for the front rows, and are a decided acquisition, although they will make for heavy work when the hall is required to be cleaned for dancing. Great improvements have been made in the entrance, and the capacity of the kitchen and supper-rooms, under the main hall, has been about doubled.

The architect for the work was Mr. T. J. McCosker. Mr. S. Johns builtin the new stage and dressing-rooms, and Mr. C. O’Neil the gallery and alterations to entrance and supperrooms. Mr. •W. J. Conroy, of the 8.0. C. Studios, was responsible for the interior decorations and the stage scenery, and the very handsome electrical fittings were supplied and fitted by Mr. Maurice McElHgott. The hall is worth everyone’s inspection.