QUEENSTOWN ATHENAEUM AND TOWN HALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 3248, 4 July 1872, Page 3

QUEENSTOWN ATHENAEUM AND TOWN HALL.

(fkom a cokukhpondknt.)

Tho opening of the Quecnstown Athenaeum and Town Hall w;u» celebrated on the evening of June 27th, by a grand amateur concert, which passed, off with great cdut. The dress circle and hall were crowded to overflowing, there being not leas than from 400 to 500 persons present, notwithstanding tho inclement season of tho year. The proceeds amounted to nearly £100—a sum exceeding the moat Hanguino expectations of the promoters. The Quecnstown Brass Band opened the proceedings, and lent valuable assistance during the evening. The nautical arrangements, under the direction of Mr A. Eichardt, were entirely satisfactory. The programme comprised choruses, duets, and solos, (vocal and instrumental) all of which were highly appreciated by the audience, to judge from the numerous encores demanded.

His Worship the Mayor, Mi" Bendix H.allenstcin, M.H.R., opened the Hall with un jiblo speech, descriptive of the progress and present position of tho Wakatip district, which w;is well received. I append a slightly condensed report of it:— /

Ladies and Gentlemen—By request of the Directors, it has fallen to my lot to declare the opening of this Hall. It affords me no mean pleasure to be associated with an undertaking which marks as it were the progress of Queenstown, and of the populous and prosperous district by which it is supported. In our endeavours to push onwards, we have arrived at a certain stage. This line building is the halting place from whence we can look back on the scenes which we have passed. We can see tliedilliculties we have already surmounted—the much we have accomplished—we pause to contemplate the future, and we gather hope. Civilisation in this district, even in its rudest form, dates back but very few years, yet how wonderful and how pleasing the change in those few years. Since first the magic power of gold drew us hither scarcely 10 years have passed. The wild sea-birds, the duck and tho diver, which for ages past held undisturbed possession of our waters, now are scared away by a busy fleet of boats and steamers, it looks but like yesterday since first we clustered round our own beautiful lake. Like a dream arose tho City of the Lakes- undergoing many changes since then. On the old survey reserve still stands the first hut, " a mumento of bygone days." built by Mr Rets, the pioneer of the district. Little did our old and respected friend dream, when fixing his humble habitation on ot r beautiful and romantic shore, that he was laying the foundation of a prosperous town. Tho dwellings of calic > have disappeared comparatively long ago. Wooden structures, more comfortable, have taken their place, and now wo are building more substantial places still of brick and stone, such as we are now inaugurating. The fate of Queenstown hangs upon that of the district; but tho Wakatip, with its rivers and terraces yielding forth their golden treasure as of yore—with fertile valleys waving with fields of golden corn — with grassy mountain ranges teeming with herds of cattle and flocks of sheep — with a climate unsurpassed in the world—the Wakatip, thus bountifully blessed, will progress, and if we are prudent we shall prosper. It is pleasing to note tho many homes which have been created, especially within the last two years, not only in Queenstown, but in all parts. Neat cottages with gardens, with husband and wife and rosy children, are to be found even in the remotest parts of tho district. New industries are springing up from year to year. Our commerce is extending; already we supply our products to the neighbouring district*, upon whom nature has not bestowed the same favour as on ourselves. Here, in Queenstown, we enjoy all the social advantages of much older towns. We have churches, and chapels, and schools overflowing, and the very respectable concourse of people here to-night is in itself a matter of congratulation. I am especially proud to witness an assemblage of iadies which would do credit to the most enlightened and refined circle in the oldest city of Europe. Ladies and gentlemen, I will not detaiu you much longer. lam aware that lam trespassing on time which should be de-

voted to listening to sounds more melodious than those of him who now addresses you. We have already learnt to appreciate the high talent of some of the ladies, and the good name and fa me of those who are to sing and play for the first time to-night has already preceded them. I have to say a few words regarding the promoters. They liave had many difficulties to contend with and many prejudices to combat, but they are pleased to see their efforts crowned with success, and 1 am sure all are satisfied. I have to compliment the architect, Mr Burwell, on the great taste, combined with economy and convenience, which he has displayed in the architecture of this building. I have lately been in Sydney and Melbourne, and I can truly say that in those cities of costly edifices, I have not seen a building of a simiiiar size which excels ours in beauty and usefulness. I believe the contractors too have done their work well, and altogether this building is one creditable to Queenstown and the district ; and if 1 have a vain satisfaction in having seen many improvements gone into during the term of my office of Mayor, it gives me especial pleasure to hand over to my successor a building more suitable to the requirements of the town than the old Hall. Ladies and Gentlemen, 1 now declare this Hall open. It will be free for tho use of tho citizens for all purposes in connection with tho municipality.