NORMANBY TOWN HALL COMPANY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 28, 17 July 1880, Page 3

NORMANBY TOWN HALL COMPANY.

A meeting of the provisional directors of the Normanby ' Town Hall Company was held at Brettfand Johnston's Hotel, Normanby, on "Wednesday night. Mr. C. E. Gibson occupied the chair, all the directors being present. The secretary (Mr. Wreford) read a letter from Messrs. L. D. Nathan and Co., Auckland, as follows : — " "We have to acknowledge receipt of circular and prospectus of the company. We trust you will succeed in raising the necessary , funds, but we shall prefer making a donation to taking up any shares. If you are able to inaugurate the company, and build the hall, we will subscribe £10 towards the undertaking." Mr. Wreford explained that many persons were holding back because of the uncertainty asto whether they would be able to get the land from Mr. Hirst for a Town Hall. Two hundred and thirteen shares had been already taken up, and the deposit money had been received upon about 190 to 200. The Chairman said that, if they considered a sufficient number of shares had been taken up, the best way would be to call a meeting of the shareholders as soon as possible, and let them elect permanent directors. Mr. Lockington considered that, if the building were once commenced, a lot of the shares would be taken up by people .who now held back. Mr. Mabey said there need not be much

doubt as to their getting the land from Mr. Hirst. Mr. Robsou looked upon that as settled. Mr. LooMngton then proposed — " That Messrs. F. Hunger, C. E. Gibson, J. Robson, and the mover, be appointed a building committee, to prepare plans, and submit them to the next meeting of directors." Mr. T. Robson seconded the motion, which was carried. It was resolved that the first meeting of shareholders should be held on Thursday next, and ' that a' notice to that effect should be inserted in the Star. Mr. Lockington submitted a rough plan of a building which he had prepared, and the design met with general approval from the directors. The hall would be 33 feet x 38 feet, with a ladies' room, and an entrance and porch at the side, to admit to either front or back seats. At the rear of the hall would be the readingroom, 20 x 20, with a partition stuffed with sawdust or sand, to deaden the sound of any amusements held in the hall. At the side of the reading-room,, there would be two offices, 13 x 10. It is not proposed to line the hall at present, but the reading-room will be finished off. The roof is to be of iron, and the stud oi the building 16 feet high. Of course, the plan is only a rough one, as it will have to be approved by the shareholders. The rough sketch given by us will, therefore, enable them to form some conclusion as to its suitableness or otherwise, before the meeting comes off.