HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. A PALMERSTONIAN'S ENTERPRISE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 25, 31 January 1911, Page 11

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. A PALMERSTONIAN'S ENTERPRISE.

FULLER AND SONS' LATEST VENTURE. i Mr. T. J. Rodgers, the well-known land and estate agent, of Palmerston North, who, by the way, is a son of the first Europeon child born in Wellington (Mr. T. Rodgers, senr., Rangitikei Line, Palmerston), showed considerable pluck and enterprise when he decided a few months ago to erect at a cost of some thousands of pounds what will hereafter be known by the name of His Majesty's Theatre. The site of this palatial edifice is at the rear of Main-street, premises with a frontage to George-street right in the heart of Palmerston's busiest centre, and an ideal situation for a house of amusement. The theatre has been licensed to seat 1750 persons, and is without doubt the most up-to-date and best-equipped of its kind on the coast, while there is also, a larger single floor space to ifc than any other wooden building in New Zealand to-day. As has already been said, the main entrance is from George-street through a spacious vestibule, which has received special treatment in the matter of ventilation and lighting. This takes one right into the main auditorium, where a momentry glance around makes one wonder whether such a huge hall with such seating accommodation could ever be taxed by a Palmerston audience, but Messrs. Fuller and Sons know the strength of their entertainments, and assurance is given that the opening night will see His Majesty's christened with the fullest house ever seen in Palmerston. The floor has been specially laid down for skating, and consists of specially run 4 inch x 1^ inch heart of matai intersecting at both ends, and radiating from a centre, making the floor just what is required for such a purpose. It has a total space of 9100 square feet, being 130 ft long by 70ft wide. The stud of the building is 24ft, the inside height from, floor to ceiling is 30ft, and when used for pictures it will allow of their production at least 30ft by 50ft. The ceiling is designed on the cove principal, with a due regard to accoustic properties. The walls have been tastefully lined in 4 x § rimu, and oiled. Like the entrance vestibule, the main building has been specially treated in the matter of ventilation, there being no less than fourteen ventilators in the ceiling. The lighting is also a matter that received due attention from the owner and designers. Ample fire escapes, too, have been provided for, there being no less than nine doors, each being 9ft wide, giving a total exit space of over 70ft. There is also a space of 20ft on either side of the building 12ft at the back and three 12ft exists to the street. The earth on both sides of the building has been raised and metalled to a level with the floor, and though the theatre is capable of holding nearly 2000 people, it could with the greatest ease, if necessary, be empted in less than one and a half minutes. Besides the excellent provision for exits, there is installed an exceptionally powerful fourinch fire service with all the necessary appliances, all of which have been carried out by Mr. J. Lissington. plumber and gasfitter of Palmerston North, to the entire satisfaction of the Palmerston ITire Board Inspector. Attached to the main building are four well-furnished dressing and students' rooms, and the manager's office, each beiujk supplied ■with necessary lavatories, etc. Detached from the main building is the engineroom, which measures 30ft by 10ft, in which is installed the engine and electrical plant for picture projection and lighting purposes. Messrs. Murray and Thomas, engineers, of Palmerston North, carried out this portion of the work. His Majesty's is to be provided '-with three Special ventilating inverted gas sunlights of 6000 candlepower as well as with electric light. Therefore, in this respect, as well as all others, it is up-to-date. The front premises comprise a splendidly equipped tea, supper, and diningrooms, measuring 45ft by 17ft, which j has been taken charge of by Mr. Alex. '< Ross, and here dinner is served from 12 till 2 p.m. Afternoon tea and suppers are procurable at all hours. . LAND AGENCY OFFICES. Mr. Rodgers, who has been in business in Palmerston for' the past ten years as a land estate and insurance agent, has retained nicely fitted-up apartments in the front portion of the building nearest to Main-street, and here he will be pleased to meet all old and new clients. Mr. Rodgers, besides paying particular attention to the sale of houses, farms and town sections, devotes considerable attention to accident and fire insurance. He is agent for the oldestablished Royal Insurance Company. The adjoining shop is to be occupied by a fruiterer and confectioner. THE CONTRACTOR. Mr. A. E. Blackburn, the contractor for the building, has carried out his contract with considerable ability, not a single hitch occurring throughout the whole contract. It is safe to say that absolutely nothing but the best materials have been used in ,tho erection of Hih Majesty's, while the workmanship displayed throughout is of the very best description. Oregon pine and excellent rimu have been used for the roof principals, which are heavily strapped with iron, and provided with powerful tierods with union screws, while the exterior appearance of the' theatre is enhanced by the addition of twelve massive concrete, and timber buttresses. THE ARCHITECTS. The building is from the joint design of Mr. James Copeland, and former resident of Palmerston North, and Mr. C. \V. Blackburn, brother of the builder, both of whom have shown marked skill in designing this palatial structure. It is convenient in every particular, and has considerably enhanced that portion of George-street, which must now become one of Palmerston's most frequented thoroughfarces. Mr. Copeland also supervised the construction of the building, and the work of the various tradesmen "engaged thereon. His work has been carried out to the satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. 0. W. Blackburn was foreman for the contractor. THE PAINTING AND DECORATING ■was in the capable hands of Mr. E. Holbrook, whose six years' residence in Palmerston has proved him to Be a thorough and competent tradesman. No better sample of his work could be found than the contract which he has just finished, and it ''s due to him to say that both the ev.-n&r, Mr. Roagers, and supervisor, Mr. Copeland, speak in the highest terms of the manner in which his work has been carried out. Mr. Hollbrook had th« assistance ef a competent staff of workmen, and this is only one of the many big jobs around the district that he has brought to a successful issue. iJNext in order comes JOHN LISSINGTON, PLUMBER, 'A tradesman of high repute, whose every job is a striking tribute to his skill as a first-class plumber, drain-layer, and gasa-fifcter. The whole of the plumbing work on this job was carried out by him, and as it is fitted up with every possible convenience, including lavatories, etc., in a manner befitting the rest of the building, it can be readily understood > that the work required the ability of a good, tradesman;.