A NEW THEATRE FOR NAPIER.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XX, Issue 3909, 8 May 1877, Page 2

A NEW THEATRE FOR NAPIER.

out, — xnau a properly constructed tneatre, capable of giving far more accommodation than is at present afforded by the Oddfellows' Hall, is required for Napier, must be palpable to the most casual observer. And now that the members of the order of Oddfellows have determined not to make any addition or improvements to the " hall," it is time the public took some decisive steps towards erecting a building worthy of Napier, and suitable for theatrical or other public entertainments. In throwing' out this suggestion, I think the first duty of those interested in the erection of such a building would be the selecting of a suitable site, and after this was done, to call for competitive designs for the structure. With regard to the site, I am under the impression that if it could be obtained, there could not be a more eligible piece of ground than the site used for the circus. Ido not know the owner, neither do I know whether it is open for sale, but simply throw out the suggestion, feeling that it is equal, if not superior to any other piece of ground in Napier for the purpose referred to ; but if this could not be obtained, or if some other site were found more suitable, then let it be taken, always having care that it is not directly in connection with any public-house. This is not said with any disrespect to publicans. Still, I cannot refrain from thinking that the comfort of the theatre-going community would be better consulted if the theatre were erected some distance from any such place. However, that is a matter for the public to decide, who, I trust, will shortly evince some manifestation towards bringing this much-needed desideratum to a successful termination. Perhaps some influential person will take the initiative by calling a public meeting, which would test the feeling of the people upon the matter. — I am, &c, A Lover of the Drama. May 7, 1877.