OPENING OF THE INVERCARGILL TOWN HALL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLI, Issue 306, 15 November 1906, Page 4

OPENING OF THE INVERCARGILL TOWN HALL.

opened b_/ His Excellency the Governor this evening, in the presence of a large assemblage. Lord i'lunket, accompanied by the Premier, Lady Ward, the Hon. R. McNab, and Messrs Arnold and Hanan, Ms.H.R., visited the building in the afternon, and was shown over them by the Mayor, Mr Scandrett, and the Borough Councillors The evening function, was principally choral, and went exceedingly well, the accoustic properties of the Hall proving good. The Mayor presented Lord Plunket with a handsome gold key, and asked him to declare tlie building open for public use. His Excellency, in doing so, commendeo the enterprise of the citizens. He said there might be some who considered the building pretentious, but there was every indication that the town and district were prosepering, and that the building would before long be fu ly required. Sir Joseph Ward also spoke in praise of the buildings, deprecating faintheartedness in the matter of cost in a town that was bound to go ahead. The Town Hall proper faces Tay-street, and stands on a section given to the Corporation some years ago by the Government. It has a highly ornate facade, and contains ample accommodation for the transaction of the town's business, a Council Hall, retiring rooms, Victoria Hall — to seat 400— with kitchen and supper room, etc., the Theatre at rear, which can be entered through the Town Hall, but will be detached from it, and which has also entirely independent access. It is a lofty, plain building, seated for over 1000, fitted with electric and gas light, water service; and numerous file eßcapes. The Eire Siation is on the same arca,facing Eskstreet.

' THE CEREMONY PERFORMED BY THE GOVERNOR. [ INVERCARGILL, Wednesday. f Tho Invercargill Town Hall and . Municipal Theatre, built and furnished at a cost of £22,000, was formally t ,