NEW PICTURE THEATRE AT PALMERSTON NORTH.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 147, 23 June 1915, Page 16

NEW PICTURE THEATRE AT PALMERSTON NORTH.

Palmerston North has always been regarded as a good "show town" by itinerant operatic and dramatic companies,- and, for the last few years, since moving pictures have become. so popular, has ■ been well supplied by two kinema houses. Whether the population of this thriving town has increased to auch an extent as to warrant the building of more picture-palaces, or whether Palmerstonians are patronising this class of amusement more than in bygone years, we know not, but we can see tangible evidence of three new photo-play houses being erected in Palmerston North, and one of these, ''The Kosy," our special correspondent had the privilege of being shown over by the genial manager, Mr. H. E. Bennett. The company which is responsible for

its erection is purely a local one, and all the directors are residents of the district. The building (of which a linedrawing is shown in this issue) is up-to-date in every respect, and reflects great credit on Mr. 0. A. Jorgensen, architect^and especially on Mr. Fred. Jackson, builder, for the expeditious and thorough manner in which the work was earned out. The ceiling is a very fine example of what can be done in fibrous plaster, and was executed by Messrs. H. B. M'Guire and Sons, of Palmerston North, who have recently branched out in this department of plastering work. All the electrical work in connection with the building was done by Mr. S. Kirkland, also of this town ; in fapt, the proprietors from the inception to the completion did everything that could be done reasonably in their own town. The theatre is designed to accommodate 820 of the latest spring tip-up seats (upholstered in red leather), supplied by C. Giorgi and Co., of which fully one-half are in a spacious gallery, to which en-

trances can be gained by three stairs. The seats are considered the "last word* in comfort and design, and our correspondent confesses that they may well be described (as the manager puts it) "every seat an armchair." An up-to-date marble bar, in what is to be » well-furnished lounge, completes what has been a long-felt want in this town. Betiring rooms are handy for lady and gentlemen patrons, and a balcony verandah gives a splendid view on to tlw beautiful gardens of "The Square." The) latest biograpb equipment ia to be in-» stalled, and everything possible for 4 perfect operating "box" iB being procured, in order that the best results majs be obtained on the screen. ' Our correspondent offer* his humble opinion that the enterprise of the com* pany in. erecting such a fine place, and equipping it in such a complete manner ip deserving of the best wishes and patronage of the residents, by whom i$ should bo considered a decided acquisi* tion to Palmerston North.