Crown Theatre, Ltd.

Free Lance, Volume XIV, Issue 723, 9 May 1914, Page 9

Crown Theatre, Ltd.

lii this issue will be found the abridged prospectus of the above undertaking, which seems bound to achieve success almost from the jump. The company is being formed for the purpose of erecting an up-to-date Picture Theatre and Concert Hal] on the corner of Molesworthstreet and Sydney-street, right opposite the Parliamentary grounds. The building, of which plans have been prepared by Mr. James Bennie, of Wellington, architect, will be of two floors, elevation 63 feet to Molesworth-street, and 83 feet on corner, with provision for a wide balcony, two shops, and large commodious refreshment rooms. The concert chamber will be on the ground floor. 68ft x 42ft, and the Savages have already secured quarters for their "fortnightly koreros. It is to seat 750 people, including a circle of 200, and the up-to-date stage will be 42ft x 20ft. This concert chamber will be furnished with aH accessories, such as supper room, kitcnen, cloak rooms, sitting-out room, etc., and the floor will be specially suitable for dancing. The Picture Theatre will occupy the first floor, with entrance from Sydney-street, and will be the most up-to-date, yet erected in the Dominion. A wide open- court leads to the auditorium, 80ft x 51ft; a separate entrance gives access to a large dress circle. Foyers and landings are a feature, the lavatory accommodation is excellent, and a very spacious balcony will extend along the frontage of Molesworth-street with a fine outlook over the Parliament grounds.. It will be fitted with richly upholstered tip-up Seats, and will seat about a thousand people. The whole building will bei entirely fire-proof. The structure will have a handsome circular tower, which will be brightly lit up at night.

As this is the first theatre'to be erected at the northern end. of the city, it will serve a very large section of the population. An experienced cinema, manager has been secured, and no pains will be spared to secure the best and latest pictures. This ought to be a gilt-edged investment —for it is better than a spec. Messrs. W. H. Turnbull and Co. are the brokers from whom to secure shares.