THE TOWN HALL.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVI, Issue 120, 18 May 1912, Page 8

THE TOWN HALL.

SCHEME OF IMPROVEMENTS

A report presented to the Borough Council last nigtit by the To\wi liali Commit 100 recommended a scheme -of impro-v emehts. It was re'cimm'endod that, the gallery be extended in semi-circular shape to the centre of the Hall and furnished x with upholstered tip-up-chairs; that the interipr vraiiz be painted, and curtains he hang on rods over the windows; that the anteroom opposite tiie box plan be conl! verted liifcc a, cloak-room, and an eufcianco bo made through the inner, wail of that conpartmenL to conduct the traffic for the liont portion o£ the I-lall alon<£ an independent aisle; tiiat tho gtairtvay leading to the gallery bo boardud up and curtained ior; thf. prevention pi. draught; and that a number of minor improvements* be effected to increase the attractiveness and comfort of the Hall. Councillor Girling, in 'moving the adoption of fho report, pointed out that it was absolutely necessary to bring the Hall up-to-date if the Council hoped to continue making it a paying concern. The competition that; be offered by tho. new theatre would, have' to be. met on busings

iines. It wa<! thought that the suggested schome ot improvements would improve the acoustic properties oi the Haii. . ' Councillor Homes, in seconding the motion, said that it was estimated thy projcoDcd ' improvements would cost «,bo«t £700.

The Doputy-Mayor jsaid that jie was ono of ihosfc whe did not want the TJown HrJl, but now they had it they •GUould certainly give it a fair chance. tie -suggested -that tho gallery should he extended right round tho Hali. Ho would oppose any pillars being in-■se-ited in th» ilocr. Councillor Parker said that although he wafc interested in the new fchoaUe he would like to see justice done to the Towr- Hall ; The question of finance was the main point. The Doputv-Mayor remarked that the special rate struck in connection with the Town Hall loan had not been collected during the last year or two. Perhaps the easiest way of meoting tho case would be to collect this rate for a year.

The motion for the.approval of the

j'eport was carried, and it was resolved that the matter be rcierred Io theVon'ii Hall and Finance Committees, to report as roon as possible. Authority was given to employ an architect to adri.se as to the plan of improvements