HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9404, 31 December 1910, Page 5

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

[Published by ahrangement.j

; His Majesty's Theatre, which has just been erected by .Mr T. J. Rodgers, in George Street, is now completed. This immense building, which is licensed to seat .1750 persons,. has beßn beautifully .. finished throughout. The main entrance is from George street, and consists of a, spacious vestibule leading in to the main auditorium, and it is here that one cannot help being struck with the immense size of the building.; The floor has been, specially laid for skating and consists of specially run 4in x Igin heart of ■ matai, intersecting at both ends and radiating from a centre, making the floor ideal for skating. It has a total space of 9100 square feet, being 130 long by 70 feet wide, which is the largest single floor in the Dominion. The building* has a 24ft stud and the height inside from floor to ceiling is 30 feet, and when used for pictures jt will allow of the production of a picture 30 by 50 feet. The - • ceiling (which is a cove design) and the walls, have been lined by •pecially run 4 x f rimu and oiled. Placed in the ceiling are four large and ten smaller ventilators of handsome design, the whole effect presenting a fine appearance. ■■,-, In the matter of fire escapes the building is unrivalled in. the Dominion. . Mr Rodgers has spared no expense in this direction, there being nine doors, each eight feet wide, giving a total exit or over 70 feet. There is .a space of 20 feet on either side of the building, 12 . feet at the back, and three twelve feet .exits to the streets. The earth on both, sides of the building has been raised and '. metalled to a level with the floor, and though the building is capable of holding nearly 2000 people it could, if necessary, be emptied in less than one and a halt minutes. Besides the excellent provision, for exits there is installed an. exceptionally powerful four inch fire service with all' the necessary appliances, all-of. which -have been carried out to the entire satisfaction of the Superintendent of the Palmerston North Fire Board. Attached to the main building are four well-finish-ed dressing ~ and attendants' rooms and the manager's office, each being supplied with necessary lavatories, etc. Detached from the main building .is the engine room (26.'feet. by 10 feet):,in which is to - f bo ! installed the engine and electrical plant for showing pictures and necessary :• lighting. In addition His Majesty s is to be lighted with gas, three .special ven-» tilaiin'g inverted gas sunlights being used. These aggregate 6000 candle power • Adjoining the main entrance and ironting George street Mr Rodgers has had erected three business premises consisting of a cosy tea and dinmg room .45 feet by 17 feet wide, which has_ been nicely fitted for the purpose; a shop to be used for a fruit and confectionery; and a comfortable , and conveniently arranged office where, in future, Mr Rod- „ gere Svill carry on his own business. A i verandah has also been erected over the ! footpath along the whole frontage, with I prominent portico over the mam entrThe" central 'position of His Majesty's is bound to make it a popular place of amusement. The contractor (Mir. A..8. • Blackbourn) has completed the building, in a thorough manner, the involved some heavy labour, the construction being most substantial in every detail. Oregon pine and selected rimu have been used for the roof principals which are heavily strapped with iron and provided with powerful tie : rods. with union screws, while the exterior appearance of the theatre is enhanced by the. addition of twelve massive timber buttresses. The building is from the joint design of Mr James .Copeland and Mr O. W. Blackbourn. ,Mr Copeland supervised the work oh - behalf cf ~ Mr Rodgers and Mr C. W. Blackbourn was foreman for the contractor. . The sub-contractors were: Ironwork, Messrs Scott, Niven and Co.; plumbing, Mr J. • Liesington; painting. Mr H. Holbrook; each of whose work has given, every satisfaction. The timber was supplied;' bv Messrs G. A. Gamman. and; Cp., of O'hakune., His Majesty's. Theatre has been leased for a term to Messrs. John % Fuller and Sons, of Wellington,; well- • known theatre proprietors, and whose name has always been associated with', what is best in the theatrical world.