CATERING FOR PUBLIC NEEDS

Grey River Argus, 10 September 1935, Page 7

CATERING FOR PUBLIC NEEDS

Air. 11. and Miss E. Morgan have during their long association with the picture business in Westport, given some striking examples of their enterprise and their keenness to provide eutertainment privileges enjoyed by city patrons, but in providing the town with a theatre which would compare more than favourably with any structure of its kind in New Zealand, they have shown a spirit of progress that, deserves the highest commendation. To undertake such a job in normal economic times would be a big achievement, but to be responsible for the erection of such, a beautiful building during a period of depression reveals an outstanding example of business energy, and untiring effort. On entering tne foyer a feeling of spaciousness and light becomes apparent. The area is close on thirty feet long and about 22 feet in depth. The ineompasing walls arc artistically finished in cross barred walnut and the flooring is one big expanse of coloured rubber tiles specially purchased from the Leyland and Birmingham .Rubber Company, England. On the right is a large office and similar space is reserved on the opposite side for a shop. Modern conveniences, richly tiled in white enamel, and complete with all up-to-date requirements are provided adjacent to the foyer. A detached cubicle of artistic design is supplied for a ticket office. The entrance doors to the foyer are of bevelled glass, sanded and protected by chromium plated bars, adjusted in angle fashion.

“The New Victoria Theatre” in bold lettering, together with the N.Z. Arms, is a piece of work that reflects considerable efficiency in execution. The first glimpse of the new theatre from the main entrance reveals a pleasing picture and conveys an impression of the high standard of work that can be done by the firm of L. Powick and Sou, and should ensure confidence in the ability of local workmen to reach a standard of efficiency that all New Zealanders can be proud of. The doors leading to the dress circle and immediately facing the main entrance are artistically finished in walnut herringbone panels. The stairway is beautifully laid in rubber tiling of blue and white shades. Both sides of the auditorium are given an artistic touch by landscape panels, based on scenes in Westmoreland, England, and specially imported by the proprietors for the purpose. The space allotted to the back stalls has been given a ramp that ensures an ininterrupted view of the screen. The seating will accommodate 650 persons, is beautifully upholstered in brown leather and is supported by bronze standards of unique design. Concealed miniature globes attached to each alternate seat will illuminate the aisles and should prove of much convenience to patrons. The theatre floor space is completely covered with a layer of cork and linoleum, and the passage ways are richly carpeted. A distinctive feature of the building’s interior is the lighting, which has been arranged with considerable care. There are five clusters enclosed in frosted containers, each holding eight high powered globes. The containers are relieved on the outside with the monogram of the proprietors. The vicinity of the proscenium is adorned with a gold and satin curtain that enhances the picturesque interior. The heating installation embraces an automatic atmospherically controlled apparatus which always ensures a pleasant temperature The whole work on the new theatre reflects in every detail the skill and acumen of the various firms responsible, and all have combined in providing Westport with a theatre of which the proprietors and the townspeople can feel justifiably proud. Mr and Miss Aforgan, whose main concern has been the comfort and convenience of their patrons, have spared neither time nor expense in catering for their entertainment, and at present are giving much of their attention to the important preliminary work of choosing only the best of film productions. The theatre will open to-morrow (Wednesday) evening, with the screening of the British International pic-

ture production “Mister Cinders,” and considered by many to be the greatest musical comedy of all times. Lt is chock full of mirth and melody, and there are four particularly tuneful and snappy numbers entitled “Where’s Jim?”, “I Could Get Used to You,” “Just a Blue Sky”, and the ever popular “Spread a Little Happiness.” The supporting features have been specially chosen, and the whole programme promises a great night’s entertainment. CONTRACTORS FOR NEW THEATRE Main Work by Local Labour. The complete transition which the old Victoria Theatre has undergone was efficiently supervised by Mr. Len. Powick, the well-known builder of Westport, and the work is indeed highly creditable to the firm. The large gilders used as supports for the balcony were welded by the engineering department of the local Railway workshops. Mr. D. Gemmil, of Winstone’s Ltd., Wellington, supervised the tiling work in the foyer and staircases. Ballantyne’s, Christchurch, provided the linoleum, carpets, gold and satin curtain, etc. The British General Electric Company Ltd., supplied the light fittings to the special order of Mr. and Miss

Morgan. Messrs Smith and. Smith, Ltd., were the contractors for the plate glass doors, and the Lace Webb Co., Christchurch, for the seating. Messrs C. and A. Odlin, Wellington, supplied the Caltex Walnut Board, Doors. Steeltex, etc. Mr. B. Scandrett, the wellknown athlete, did the ceiling work, Mr. Lynch, the decorations, Mr. A. T. Bueknell, the electrical work and the large amount of plumbing was capably carried out by Mr. John Kelly, Westport. THEATRE ROYAL. AVAILABLE FOR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES. AVbilst the New Victoria Theatre was under construction, the talkie plant was removed to the Theatre Royal, where trie popular entertainments continued to attract big audiences, but as a result of the change over to the new building, the Theatre Royal will now be available for Balls, Concerts, and other entertainments.