NEW OPERA HOUSE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8680, 13 March 1914, Page 3

NEW OPERA HOUSE

A CREDIT TO WELLINGTON

FIRST SHOW ON EASTER SATURDAY.

At the invitation of the directorate of the Wellington Opera House Company, between 200 and 300 people assembled last night to inspect the Grand. Opera House. The fine theatre is almost complete in detail, and lacks none "of the conveniences associated with the most up-to-date continental amusement houses. The colour scheme ip blue and gold, and the general effect with all the lights on is positively dazzling. A notable feature of the decoration is the line curtain, artistically representing a scene on the Wanganui river ( surrounded by tikis and Maori carving. At 8.15 the curtain was raised, and the chairman of directors, Mr W. H. P. Barber, welcomed the guests. The new Grand Opera House was, he said, the finest theatre south of the line, and a credit to the Empire City of New Zealand. The directors had chosen Hon. W. M. Pitt, an architect who had planned nearly all the theatres in Australia, to design the building, and the result of their choice had been more than satisfactory. At the beginning of the scheme there had been some slight delay owing to the stringent regulations of the City Council, but at length the contract (£32,800) had been given to Messrs Sanders, and proceeded with under the direction of Mr Liddy. The building would accommodate 2141 people distributed as follow's .-—Dress circle 297, stalls 694, gallery 1100, and boxes 50. The old Opera House seated only 1450 people. The cost of the old theatre was £30,000, but the total cost of the Grand, including the land, exceeded £60,000. The new building, which •is absolutely detached, stands ten feet back from the street, and ha* an extensive balcony. The decorations, which are all hand-painted, are by Mr Colburn, of Melbourne. The building, emphasised Sir Barber, was quite fire proof, and was not as likely to catch fire as a private dwelling. A notable feature of the ventilation was a sliding roof, something new to Wellington. During the evening the “saucer” of the dome was withdrawn!, and the guests could see the sky straight above their heads. Refreshments were then served on the stage, which is of exceptional style. The Mayor (Mr J. P. Luke) thanked the Opera House Company for the erection of the magnificent building, and in the name of the citizens of Wellington wdshed it every success. Sir Joseph Ward was present, and in the course of a short speech said: “I congratulate everyone concerned on the completion of this fine structure. Personally I believe that ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’ I believe it is a grand thing for the representative of His Majesty’s Opposition to come to a good theatre, as well as for everyone else. For size, picturesque decoration and practical convenience, this is one of the finest theatres I have ever been in. The directors evidently know that the people of Wellington have more money than they know what to do with. (Laughter.) I am sure that the Grand Opera House will be the centre of Wellington’s entertainment in the future, and I congratulate the Hon. W. M. Pitt, the architect, and'Mr Sanders, the builder, on their well-done work.If there is any doubt as to its capacity, let me have it one night and Mr Massey the next, and there would be tw'o bumper houses. I w’ish the venture success in every possible way.” Hon. W. M. Pitt suitably responded, and Mr Sanders also spoke. Mr Bert Royle, representing J. C. Williamson, Limited, regretted that his firm could not open the house with one of its own attractions. However, on Easter Saturday, Mr William Anderson’s American Burlesque Company would present the first show, and that company’s productions were very highly spoken of. “I am sorry,’’-conclud-ed Mr Royle, “that my old chief, Mr J. C. Williamson, is not her to-night to see this splendid theatre, which is a monument of the advancement of Wellington.” ■ The dressing-rooms, stage appliances, and lounges were all the objects of interested inspection by - the guests of the evening, who expressed in no uncertain way their unstinted admiration of the Grand Opera House and its furnishings.