MUNICIPAL ENTERPRISE

Evening Star, Issue 20613, 13 October 1930, Page 7

MUNICIPAL ENTERPRISE

NEW CHAMBERS AND PICTURE PALACE AT ROXBURGH FOUNDATION STONE CEREMONY Another milestone in the advancement of the attractive and progressive little town of Roxburgh (Central Otago) was reached on Saturday afternoon, when the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new municipal chambers and picture palace was hem. A largo crowd, including representatives from other districts, assembled for the occasion, which was made the more effective by the presence of the Roxburgh Municipal Band, under Mr D. J. Simpson. “ To-day’s ceremony is one which is well worthy of passing notice, as it is the largest undertaking in which the Roxburgh Borough Council has ventured,” said Mr F. A. Laloli in his opening remarks. In extending a welcome to all present the Mayor said that they had with them that day representatives from the Tuapeka County Council, the Teviot Electric Power Board, Teviot Fruitgrowers’ Association, Roxburgh District High School, members of the Borough Council, the architect for the building (Mr D. G. Mowat), and the contractor (Mr J. O’Driscoll). In giving a brief outline of public hall utility in Roxburgh, the Mayor said that prior to 1918 the hall was controlled by an athemeum committee. The wooden hall was built out of money collected by public effort in 1893, and was apparently very substantially built, because now, after serving its purpose for thirty-seven years, it was still in a very sound condition. In June, 1918, the council took over the hall, and during recent years it was felt that it was unsuitable for the requirements of the district. It was considered that it had served its generation, and that in an up-to-date centre such as Roxburgh, in a fertile and prosperous district, they should have more modern facilities in the way of public hall accommodation. The borough council had set itself out to provide a building adequate to the purpose and to finance the scheme to avoid collecting a rate in order to meet annual interest and sinking fund. They pooled their estimated resources, such as revenue from hall rent, the amount saved in rent by owning a borough office and the net picture profits. They set this amount aside as a safe limit to be allowed to pay annual charges on the loan of £6,000 to carry out the work. When the new hall was built they would possess a fine block of buildings which would be a great asset to their town. _ They would have better library facilities, town clerk’s office, and council chambers, and a beautiful picture theatre or concert hall, with seating accommodation for 450 people. Provision was made in the construction of the walls for the addition of a gallery at some future date. It would be found‘advantageous having a separ ate dance room which had been constructed from the old building. This hall had been enlarged and improved with the addition of a convenient kitchen and spacious supper room. The council had been able to enter into such a large scheme as a result of their efforts and enterprise in. the running of the pictures in the old hall. Most of the work supervision of the pictures had fallen on the capable shoulders of Cr T. Waigth, whose diligent efforts were responsible for the picture business flourishing. _ Council tors had worked hard to bring about the erection of the new building, and they would not be able to relax even when the building was finished! The council would not be able to take up the attitude of landlords and merely collect the rents from the hall; they must. continue to be the same good working team and earn other profits for the hall. They would have to fulfib their promise that the rate struck would i not have to be collected. It would be a profitable concern for the residents of Roxburgh if the scheme worked out successfully over the thirty-three year period, which was the term of the loan. In conclusion, the Mayor expressed the opinion that he thought the residents need have no fear as to the result of their venture.

Mr John Bennetts, representing the Tuapeka County Council, congratulated the Mayor and all concerned on entering into such a project. When the building was completed they would have one of the finest town halls in Otago. “I believe that the new hall will be an everlasting and useful tribute to the present mayor and councillors,’’ said Mr T. P. Michelle (chairman of the Teviot Electric Power Board). Ho deplored the fact that the population in Otago had not increased to any considerable extent, lii their own district, however, they showed considerable increases, and lie felt sure that the council would not get into difficulties with its latest venture. There were many other things which they needed in Roxburgh, chief among which was a drainage system. He believed that such a scheme would be tackled in the immediate future, and the undertaking would be one of the finest in Otago.

The President of the Teviot Fruitgrowers’ Association (Mr J. B. Gilmour) said that there were few living outside the borough who did not think that their progress was linked up with the borough. He had to congratulate the council on its enterprising undertaking. He was glad to hear the mayor make reference to the work dono by Mr T. Waigth. The new hall was undoubtedly the result of his enterprise. Mr Giltnour made an interesting reference to the progress of the district. Twenty years ago the population was a moving one, and visitors to Roxburgh to-day could still see the remains of their dwellings, which were now in a dilapidated state. He also referred to the formation of a Progress League two weeks ago by a number of enthusiastic residents. The purpose of the league was to beautify the ugly places in the district, and thus make the place even more attractive to visitors. He urged all present to give the league their support. Tn conclusion, Mr Gilmour expressed his confidence in the new ball as a source of revenue to the district.

“ There is no need to doubt the progress of the district in the future when you have 250 children at your high • school,” said Mr J. George (chairman or the District High School Committee). Mr D. G. Mowat, the architect for the building, then presented the mayor with a handsome silver-mounted trowel, and the foundation stone was duly laid.

Cr H. Henderson delivered a short address, emphasising the need for the co-operation of all _ citizens to ensure the progress of their district, and the ceremony concluded with the playing of the National Anthem by the band.