WHY GO TO THE CITY?

Hutt News, Volume 3, Issue 13, 21 August 1930, Page 5

WHY GO TO THE CITY?

Opening' of a Luxurious Theatre.

A further proof of the rapid advancement of the Hutt borough is given by the erection of the new Piinee Edward. Theatre in the Wobarja clistrict and situated at the: corner-of Cambridge Terrace and Whites Line East; The opening" of this new enterprise ' which is a d vertised elsewhere .in this issue-is fixed for- Tuesday, August 20' th at S p.m., the ceremony being performed by His Worship the Mayor (Sir Alexander Roberts). - . '

In this, building- the architect, Mr. W. JPrtmse^ aitd/'tne;builder^ Mr.'l Harold Edwards, together with tile sirb-con-traetors, have carried out t&eir work in si', manner which reflects the highest credit to all coneerneds -■: Having been invited to inspet the building prior to the formal' opening, a.representative of the "Hiitt News" recently visited our. latest and most up-todate picture theatre, and wifchbut hesitation can pronounce that it. can well hold its own in comparison with any of the new and sumptuous buildings erected for public entertainment in any part- of the province. The design of tthe building, which is erected in concrete, is handsome antl massive. There are two residential flats and four fine airy anfl well 'finished- shops along the main frontage, and the shops will add to the converiienec of patrons and the. public-generally. -.

The interior of the theatre has been planned on the lines of an old English Baronial Hall and tie management has kept in minicl while the decorations were in progress of keeping to this plan. The building is designed to accommodate 1000 people, .but as it is not anticipated that seating will at present be required for so large a mrmber, provision has been made for the extremely comfortable housing of a smaller num:beiv :■ ■ •

The fine entrance to the building gives access to a spacious vestibule ■which gives the key-note to the handsome scheme of colour • decorations ■which characterise the interior of the building. From the vestibule access is gained to the auditorium, the ground -floor of which is capable of seating 600 .people, but by an adjustment is made to suit the needs of a smaller numiber. The decorative scheme is particularly handsome and effective and there is, what will strike patrons as a luxury seldom if ever seen in any-theatre. In two big open hearths, one on each side of the >hall. there are, what appear to be two Mazing open fires. These fires, although electrically installed, really conceal the very latest invention in warnt air central heating an"d will give that warm cosy appearance Which is most grateful on the bitter winter evenings. From the entrance vestibule also leads a wide stone stairway at the head of- which is situate a- beautifully furnished and carpeted lounge, on the

walls of -which.' are hung genuine English tape.stri.es of beautiful design, adding a finish to what is essentially a comfortable and handsome apartment. From this access is obtained through curtained doors to the dross circle, and on entering one stands literally amazj ed at'"the view presented of the elc--1 ganee and comfort of the new theatre. ; The .lighting scheme, by means of j countless coloured electric candle lights hung from tiie eejling in chanclalier form, and,antique brackets on the walls is alike unique and most efficient. The comfortable upholstered chairs which ./are to be found in every part of the | theatre, the fine mural decorations, and ; certainly n ot least the snug and ijosy appearance given by the open fires, all Gomibino to assure the visitor that he is 1 now gazing upon a really modern and Sumptuously fitted up-to-the-minute pic tuxe theatre, in which he confidently expects to be shown pictures which will make it quite unnecessary for him t§ go to Wellington for his entertainment. The operating box has been given special attention and is equipped with the very latest talking plant equipment. The proprietor must be congratulated on having given to our town a building which both externally and within, is a credit to the district and their enterprise well merits the success which we trust will reward their venture. . We again say, "Why -go to the city?"