Thomas' Hall.

Evening Post, Volume L, Issue 36, 10 August 1895, Page 3

Thomas ' Hall.

Alterations have just been made to Thomas' Hall whioh have added very materially to its comfort and accommodation. The apaoe formerly oooupicd by the men's dressing-room has been thrown into the lauding, so as to form a vestibule 21ft by 16ft. The large hall is entered from this vestibule, aa also is the ladies' dresaingroom. A new srairoase leading to the small gallery has been formed, and at the foot of the main staircase double doors and an ornamental sorcen have been fixed, so as to prevent draughts. From the vestibule a staircase 6ft wide has been built, so as to give access to two nncrw r supper rooms, 27ft (x 12ft and 21ft x 15fc, and a caterer's room, on the top floor. A, branch staircase 4ft wide leads from the landing to the men's dressing-room, which is fitted vith a lavatory. Sliding doors are provided leading out of supper room No. 1 into the tip flat of the warehouse, the idea being that on the occasion of large assemblies the store could bo cleared and the space used as an additional supper-room. This was done at the Star Club's ball. The ventilation has been Bpeoially attended to. The alterations have been carried out by Messrs. Brown and Johnston from drawings made by and under the supervision of Messrs. Clere, FitzGerald, and Richmond, architects. The coiling of the stairfcaae landing has been tastefully decorated by Sir. Emil BiUmuUer, the other painting being done by Meaars. Parker and Mann, while the extra eleotrio light fittings were put in by Messrs. Toomath & Co.

Mr. H. A. M'Gregor, the Inspcotor of Machinery to the New Zealand Government —who together with Messrs. S. Luke (Luke and Co., Limited) and Murray (of Wanganni) left Wellington a few months ago on a visit to England— is, according to the London correspondent of the Auckland Hera'd, very oharaoteriatically examining everything in the way of machinery whioh may possibly afford him any freah "wrinkles" on his return to New Zealand. When the mail left he had been chiefly in London, but he was to leave on the following Monday for the North, and visit not only Scotland, but alto all the chief English manufacturing towns, and inspect the newest mechanical devices. Reoently Mr. M'Gregor attended a special trial of a new horizontal band-saw which has been brought out by Messrs. Ranaome, the famous makers of machinery. Mr. M'Gregor thinks that this saw, if it accomplishes all that is claimed for it, will be very useful to New Zealand sawmillers. Mr. M'Gregor \a to leave London finally on the 9th Auguat, on his return to New Zealand. The Taitapu Gold Estates Company, of the allotment of shares in which we were informed by cable from London this week,isone in which, according to the London correspondent of the Christohnroh Star, Mr. Geo. Beetham is largely concerned. Iti object is the acquisition of the admittedly valuable mineral and agricultural estate of Taitapu, in the distriot of Nelson, oonsißting of 88,000 odd acres of freehold land, formerly set apart as a native reserve. The capital of the company is fixed at .£175,000. The price demanded by the vendors is £35,000 cash, .£50,000 in fnlly paid shares, and .£25,000 in cosh or shares, or partly in each, at the option of the directors. Tbeae terms will leave 65,000 shares available for providing working capitil. It ia intended that thia shall be a parent company, and the directors anticipate that large profits will arise from the formation of subsidiary companies to take over and work the gold rcsfs known to exist on the property, and other gold deposits which exploration and development may brin? to light. In all such companies the parent ooncern will retain a large share interest. The directorate (is a strong one, inoludin; Mr. Roland G. Hill, Colonel G. C. Thomson, Mr. James J. Wallia, and Mr. Harrison Davis, ao the company will start with fair prospeots of success. The capital has been underwitten. A sacred concert will be given in the Working Men's Club on Sunday evening for members and their families. The aotivity just now manifested in musical oiroles has resulted in a, large accession to the ranks of the Festival Choral Sooiety. Last night, notwithstanding the inolement weather, a number of applioant3 anxious to join the chorus attended the weekly rehearsal. The Sooiety practised the ohornses in "The Messiah," "Faust," and " Aois and Galatea." Notwithstanding all the counter, at traotions, the Sale at Mr. C. Smith's, the Cash Draper, Cnba-street, ia having a thorough good run. The customers are just as keen after the Bargains to-day as they were the first day the Sale Btarted. To-morrow some moat extraordinary bargains in blankets, umbrellas, mantles, milfinery, and dress materials will be offered ; also, two bales of sheeting slightly damaged, at 6d per yard. In the Clothing Department, men's and boys' overcoats are getting a start, and yon can get one less than half price. — Advt. For continuation o/ rstuiwg matter tee jourth vane.