THE CENTRAL THEATRE.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXVI, Issue 3366, 12 March 1915, Page 2

THE CENTRAL THEATRE.

FINE NEW BUILDING,

ERECTED IN WHARF STREET

It is at all times pleasing to note local people showing faith in Paeroa, and demonstrating in a practical manner! their belief in the continued progress .and prosperity of the town. Mr W. M, { [ Cullen has previously given many evi-'j ! dences of his faith in Paeroa, and he has j now given further proof of this by having erected in Wharf Street a fine up-to-date theatre that is to be known by the \ name ot the Central Theatre. Mr Cullen has associated with him in his venture Mr L. H. Hoare, ot Wellington, and it is to be hoped that these gentlemen will attain the success that their • enterprise deserves. ,;..,. . The building is stoutly constructed, and throughout the very best material has been used.- The floor is y$ feet long by 31 feet wide, the flooring boards being oi specially selected heart of matar so that a splendid dancing surface will be provided. A commodious stage with a handsome proscenium has been provided, the sloping stage being 23 feet. by 33 feet with a height of 20 feet. The seating accommodation will consist of 100 tip-up chairs, 150 Canadian chairs, and 24 forms with backs. Great care has been exercised to give the interior a pleasing appearance, and those responsible-have certainly been successful in their efforts.' Rdund the sides is two and a-half inch kauri and rimu dado, and above the dado is asbestos slate a quarter of an inch thick and absolutely fire-proof. The ceiling is of stamped steel lined with kaun,- and in trie centre is a useful and ornamental plaster centre. This is square and of extra large dimensions tor ventilation purposes. The whole is finished in white, and presents a very pleasing appearance. ' In front ot the stage is'ja movablestairway with handsome and solid pillars, and this can be easily removed or placed in position as desired. It might also be mentioned that the stage is both lined and ceiled. • At the back of the hall is a small gallery, where the operator's box lor picture entertainments is located. Special care has been taken to make the box absolutely fireproof. It has been double lined with asbestos, both on the sides and also on the floor and ceiling, and is certainly as safe an operator's box as we have ever seen. The box is larger than is usually the case, being 8 feet by 6 feet 6 inches and 8 feet high. The balustrade of the gallery is to be upholstered in red plush, and about 20 comfortable seats will be provided. Sp.ecial attention is being paid to the lighting of the building, gas being used throughout, and the total lighting being about 4000 candle .power; In the main portion of the building there will be un 300 candle power lights with inverted burners, finished in white and gold, while the stage will be lighted with two 300 candle power burners. In addition-, there will be the usual footlights, With small lights in various parts of the building. The ventilation has also been adequately attended to, there being eight windows and five Louvre lights, these being in addition to four torpedo ventilators. Tne front of the building will be fitted with a portico over the main entrance, some fine samples of carying giving the building a fine appearance. Large lamps will be fitted over this entrance, as well as over the side entrance, the reason for the additional entrance being to prevent confusion with people going to different priced seats. The ticket office will have two separate pigeon holes for the sale of different priced tickets. All the doors have been fitted so that they will open outwards so that there could be no crush or panic in case of fire. Two-inch water mains have beeu installed in three different parts of the building, and they will have at all time sufficient hose to use in the event of fire. The old Choral Hall that adjoins the new building is to be used as a supper room and for storing the seats when'not in use. The floor ot this building is on the same level as the new theatre, and swing doors will giv& j entrance. \, / At the back ot the old stage dressing rooms for both ladies and gentlemen* are being built, and these will be fitted with all conveniences. J | All arrangements are being made for suppers in connection with socials and dances, Appliances for heating water are provided, as well as marble-topped tables tor cutting up, necessary sinks, etc. In front of the supper room will be a lolly stall managed J by Mr F. Wilson. , The work throughout has been faithfully carried out by the contractor, Mr E. A Chester, and the others engaged, the architect for the work being Mr E. i E. Gillman. The painting was carried j out by Mr J. W. McKee tor Mr W. J. Towers, and the plumber is Mr C. Syme. All the lighting arrangements are beir.g carried out under the supervision of Mr F. Dignan, manager for. the Ohinemuti Light and Power Co. Although the night on which the new theatre will be officially opened has not yet been decided upon, Mr Cullen has generously given the use of the building for the evening Iree 0! charge to the fire brigade for a ' social, and in addition is donating. \ £$■ towards the supper. With such I a generous donation, the brigade should raise a substantial amount of , money. ■>