NEW MASONIC HALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14707, 15 June 1911, Page 8

NEW MASONIC HALL.

AN UP-TO-DATI3 BUILDING. The foundation-stone of fho now hall to bo erected in Upper Queen-sl reel. for Eden Lodgo No. 1550, E.G., will bo laid on Saturday afternoon by the Right; Worshipful District Grand blaster Bro. J. R. Reed. Tlio now building will not only provide suitable housing for Eden Lodge, but, also, probably for a good many other lodges which at present have 110 suitable permanent plaees of abode. Experts in Freemasonry declare t hat fcho hall will bo most admirably Adapted to tlio purposes for which it is "destined, and in all respects tho finest in the North Island, if not in any part of the Domini m. Together with tlio land acquired, the cost I of tho new hall will be .something over £7000. It will be carried out. in brick and cement, and roofed with Marseilles tiles. Tho design of tho facade is chaste, yet imposing. The main entrance—a .Roman arch —is 011 Upper Queen-street (a few feet south of Karangahapo Road). There are also four other entrances. Tlnye are to be two floors; the lower one will lie a hall, measuring 70ft by 35ft, and __reception rooms are provided on either side of the main vestibule. At the end of the hall there will be a convenient little stage, with a proscenium opening of 24ft, and a depth of 15ft, villi artists' rooms on either side. A staircase leads to a spacious landing on the upper floor, which gives upon three large anterooms, leading to (he lodger. torn. This, the most, important apartment in the building, measures 58ft and 35ft, and is unusually lofty. It will have a tessolated floor of black and white marble, and will be lighted by 10 large cathedral glass windows. The I ceilings of lioth the hall and lodgeroom ' will be carried out in fibrous plaster, end j handsomely ornamented. The (lining hull, j which is a spacious room and capable of seating 100 guests, is also on the upper floor. The premises will be electrically lighted, j Mr. 1!. ('. Chilwell is the architect, and -Mr. j ,1. E. Guthrie tho contractor.