AURORA THEATRE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5148, 6 July 1927, Page 2

AURORA THEATRE.

PAEROA’S NEW BUILDING.

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY.

Still another milestone in the progress of the Borough of Paeroa was passed on Monday night, when the handsome new Aurora Theatre was formally opened to the public. Long before S’ p.m. a large crowd had assembled at the theatre entrance, and the ushers had a strenuous time in conducting patrons to the seats. Interiorily a scene of gaiety and beauty was presented. The snowwhite walls and ceiling are particularly suited to the lighting effects, which are ingeniously placed in the walls and dome of the building. The na.me “Aurora” lends itself admirably to effective lighting, and the many coloured and softly shaded lights were very pleasing and called for hearty commendation.

Shortly after 8 o’clock the handsome curtain was rung up, and Mr Carroll, chairman of directors <xf theNew Theatres Company, accompanied by Hi- Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall) and Mr W. W. Scott (contractoi for the building), appeared on the stage before a capacity house. 11l a few well-chosen words Mr Carroll thanked the Mayor for attending and performing the opening ceremony. On behalf of the company Mr Carroll called upon the Mayor to accept a goJd key, suitably inscribed, to commemorate the event. ADDRESS BY THE MAYOR. In a brief address the Mayor expressed his pleasure at being present, and said that he was conscious of the honour accorded him. He also wished to thank the directors for the memento that had been presented to him. The ceremony that night completed another chapter in the contemporaneous history of Paeroa, and the people had been given a building that would last for many years to follow. Speaking of the theatre itself, the Mayor referred to its spaciousness and the pleasing architectural lines, which were indicative of an almost daily experience, of the progress, of the town. The promoters were deserving of congratulations on their, enterprise, and it was a tribute to the directors’ conception of the potentialities of the progress of this district. In extending the congratulations of the citizens the Mayor, expressed the hope that the venture,would be an unbounded success. As the days went by the enterprise would come into its own. It was a pleasure to pay a warm tribute to the architect (Mr G. L. Burmester) and also to the builder (Mr W. IV. Scott), both of whom had worked conscientiously and with integrity, "arid he- hoped that they would rejoice in the fact that they hi’d completed so handsome a building, which would endure for ages and be a lasting monument to their skill and ability. It was good to see buildings springing up in the town, and it was particularly gratifying that the buildings should be of handsome appearance and of solid nature. Such efforts were a challenge to the people to look forward to brighter and happier days. The Mayor’counselled the audience to believe in their town, have faith in it. and take a pride in it, and their he thought all would be well. Congratulations were also extended to the manager (Mr P. J. Jennings), who, the speaker said, was deserving of the esteem and goodwill of the people, and he wished him a period of success and good luck. A SADDER NOTE STRUCK.

The Mayor asked for indulgence to refer to the Jocal unemployment that existed, and said that while the members of the- large audience were privileged to enjoy themselves that night similar good fortune was not following all our townspeople, and it wa3 necessary to remember, that and consider, ways and -means to- alleviate the position. A subscription list had been opened, and the collectors, Messrs. E. Edwards and P. E. Brenan, had met with a fair response. Within the last few days the sum of £75 ihqd been collected, and that money would be immediately expended in giving wk to some of the local unemployed. Still more assistance was urgently required, and an appeal was made to those whom the subscription list, had not reached to come forward' and assist mankind.

The Mayor then declared tlie Aurora Theatre formally opened, amid applause. The audience then sang the National Anthem to the accompaniment of Mr T. H. Billing’s Te Aroha orchestra, after which an enjoyable picture programme and vaudeville- act were witnessed.

Among the many invited guests present at the ceremony, in 'addition to the Mayor, were members, of the- Paeroa Borough Council, Ohinemuri County Council, and other local institutions.