EXHIBITION HALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22817, 26 August 1937, Page 9

EXHIBITION HALL

COMPANY PROPOSAL EASTERN RECLAMATION SITE To fulfil the need for an exhibition building in Auckland, a croup of men floated a public company on September 4, 1936, to build something that would meet with the approval and requirements of local groups and associations. The result is that plans have been prepared for a ferro-concrete building 42oft. long and 350 ft. deop, facing King's Drive. on the eastern reclamation area, conditional upon a suitable arrangement between the company and the Auckland Harbour Board. Mr. C. G. Macindoe, chairman of directors, made the announcement. The company was formed for the purpose of providing facilities which Auckland lacked, said Mr. Macindoe, to give accommodation for the Winter Show authorities, in conjunction with the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The company was not constituted with the idea of making profit. No assurance of support was forthcoming from the association, but Mr. F. .N. Ambler said some months ago that the Manufacturers' Association probably would bo ■ proparod to negotiate for space if the necessary accommodation were provided by the company. Various' sites were considered, and ultimately the one on tlio eastern " reclamation was decided upon. Briefly, it is proposed! provided sufficient capital is available, to build a large covered stadium to fceat upward of 5000 people, and equipped with grandstands tiered down to a flat floor, some 85ft. by 195 ft., suitable for wrestling and. boxing, ice skating, concerts, and'the like. The total size of the great hall would be 250 ft. by 150 ft. Extending toward the back of the hall there would be two wings forming the exhibition buildings. These wings would be about 100 ft. wide by 215 ft. long, and in the main would bo similar to the Bledisloo Hall at Hamilton —a great building with a balcony around the face of a curved roof. The buildings would provide space for all kinds of indoor sports. Two smaller units would bo suitable for pictures and works, of art. a dance floor would be provided, and a basement slipper room in which 500 people could be seated,.- while there ;would', be accommodation for » a gymnasium, squash courts, lounge, locker rooms and a plunge.' In tho back, provision is made for a large open space suitable for side-shows, and a sito suitable for motor sports. In this connection, said Mr. Mncindoo, tho Auckland Motor Traders' Association had promised its enthusiastic support. < -