ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 4880, 4 February 1903, Page 7

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS.

THE PALMERSTON NORTH OPERA HOUSE. Special to tub “Times.” PALMERSTON, February 3. Mr Green how reported to the Borough Council to-night on the designs for the Opera House and Municipal Bmluing. Alter careful consideration or the conditions and being guided by the fact that the greatest number of competitors had interpreted them to provide for the erection of the theatre portion first, the judge /awarded “Rod Seal” first premium, and “Bides” second premium. The design of “Red Sent” provides for a proscenium 29ft by 27ft, and the accommodation for 1302 adults is divided as follows; —Stalls, 247; dress circle, 206; family circle, 262; pit, 455; emergency seats, 32. In addition to dressingrooms, it supplies a rehearsal room and generally up-to-date stage conveniences. The design of ‘Tides” proVides for a stage 46ft by 30ft, with a proscenium similar to the Wellington Opera House. The body of the'house is GOft by 46ft. The front elevations of both are very similar. The building receiving the award is estimated to cost .£9OOO, and the second A’SSOO. On the letters accompanying the designs being opened, it was found that the first award was given to Messrs Crichton and McKay, of Wellington, and the second to Mr Thomas Turnbull, also cf Wellington. A resolution was passed, however, that the second premium be not paid to “Tides,” on the ground that his estimate exceeded the limit by ,CCOO, but before being acted upon this resolution will be referred to the Borough Solicitor. Tenders for the theatre portion will be called at once. A resolution was also carried authorising the Council to sell the present library building, and, if sold, the money to be added to that voted for the Opera House, in order to allow the complete design to be undertaken at once. Considerable difference of opinion existed amongst Councillors a.s to the wisdom of combining the library and theatre.