THE NEW OPERA HOUSE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8681, 14 March 1914, Page 4

THE NEW OPERA HOUSE

A very agreeable feature of the opening of the new Opera House on Thursday evening was the unanimous appreciation of the fine character of the building. AVeliingtoa has at lost a theatre worthy of the capital city of the Dominion. The next thing to wish for is that the character of the dramatic entertainment provided may he always worthy of the theatre for which so much has been done. That is, an up-to-dats construction furnished with well-tried systems of ventilation, replete with every convenience demonstrated by experience to be necessary for tho comfort of audiences and the smoothness of dramatic presentment, and brilliantly decorated. It is a little difficult to trust implicitly to systems of ventilation and fireproof building, because so many have proved futile. Bat here the Ventilation is assured by the expedient of taking the lid off, which has been- so great a success in Alelbourne and other cities, to say nothing of the examples in older countries. About the fireproof character, hero we have a guarantee in the great experience of the architect, and that is satisfactory eno’agh, so far as it goes, and it goes far. In the matter of the conveniences, which ’ comprise the facilities for emptying the place oz short notice under trying circumstances, we were pleased to see the chairman’s statement that the stringent regulations of the city authorities had caused eondiderable delay. AVo feel sure tho delay will prove very beneficial to the public. The right time to enforce these regulations is before the buildincj is finished, not after. The authorities have done their duty well. AA r o congratulate the city on the very commodious and, well-de-signed building, as wo do also tho proprietors, who have not been deterred by an expenditure of £60,000. If such a theatre could have been in municipal hands, there might hare been more Surety for the permanence of a high level of entertainment. It is of course a matter of opinion. But there is no doubt thpt with .publiclyowned theatres in all the considerable towns, and a State subvention under enlightened control, there would arise a. national dramatic school which in the days to oomc would, with great public advantage, give a good account of itself. As things are, however, this splendid theatre, holding ovor 2000 persons comfortably and safely, is a credit to the city. Its erection is a sure proof of the prosperity of the citizens. AA r o trust, the catering for their dramatic taste will bo always of the best, affording amusement without forgetting high ideals, generous sentiments, and noble aspirations.