FLOATING CABARET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22287, 9 December 1935, Page 14

FLOATING CABARET

PUBCHASE OF COAL HULK

WORK OF TRANSFORMATION

A SYNDICATE'S SCHEME

A floating cabaret to be known as "The Showboat" is to bo established in Auckland shortly by a syndicate at an approximate cost of £2OOO. The coalhulk Columbia, formerly a four-masted schooner, has been purchased for this purpose, and although work was only commenced last week the cabaret is expected to open on New Year's Eve. The vessel is at present moored to the breastwork at the eastern end of Mechanics' Bay while alterations aro being carried out, and will remain there when the cabaret opens. It is improbable that the boat will bo taken on the harbour on account of the difficulty of supplying water and electric power. It would also be necessary to obtain a permit from the Auckland Harbour Board and instal life-saving equipment. Two Dance Floors

The vessel wns berthed at Prince's Wharf last week, when the winches and water tanks were removed with the aid of cranes. She was towed around to Mechanics' Bay on Friday and moored at the breastwork. Four men have since been engaged in clearing away the deck fittings. The contract has been let to N. Cole, Limited, and a large number of carpenters will commence work to-day. It is hoped to have the vessel fitted out in about a week, after which a start will bo made with painting and decorating. Tho Columbia has an overall length of about 200 ft. There will be two dance floors, one on tho upper deck and one in the hold. The present • main deck will be treated and a completely new floor will be laid in the hold. Each floor will be about 120 ft. long and over 30ft. wide, with a total floor space of approximately 6000 ft. Tho main deck will be covered with a permanent roof, with large windows on either side, which may be opened for ventilation. Lighting and Decoration 6 More large windows will be fitted on the low6r floor. The poop ..and fore-castle-head will be left open and used as lounges with deck chairs. Tho after hatch will accommodate a wide staircase to give access to the lower deck, while the forward hatch will be fitted with a balustrade, and will act as a ventilator. The dance band will be accommodated in a corner of the floor on the lower deck. Both floors will be fitted with cubicles and tables, where supper wilj be served from a galley on board. When the work is completed, the Columbia will bear the appearance of an old sloop, with a raised forecastlehead.and poop and large portholes along the sides. Special attention will be paid to lighting and decorative effects, and the vessel will be festooned with coloured lights and equipped with a prominent tubular lighting sign. Arrangements are being made to have supplies of water and electric power connected from the shore. The Columbia was formerly an American vessel and was used in the timber trade in Honolulu. She came to Napier with a load of timber and was purchased by the Devonport Steam Ferry Company, Limited, and sailed to Auckland. Her fittings were sold at auction while the boat was lying at the Central Wharf. The vessel was then used as a coalhulk and has been moored in the harbour for some years.