THE NEW TOWN HALL

Opunake Times, 23 July 1937, Page 2

THE NEW TOWN HALL

DISCUSSED BY COUNCIL ESTIMATED COST £6OOO A special meeting- of the Opunake Borough Council was held last night when matters in connection with the new Town Hall came up for consideration. Plans prepared' by Mr. T. H. Bates were on view setting- out an up-to-date building- which should prove an acquisition to the town and serve a useful purpose for many years to come. The main hall, which is perhaps the chief concern of those who take an interest in dances and functions of various kinds, measures Toft by 45ft, which, when compared with the old hall of 45ft by 40ft, would be welcomed by all. Provisions are also made for converting this hall into a theatre should . the occasion

arise. • The kitchen measures 19ft by lift 2in as against 13ft by lift in the old hall. The supper room is 34ft by 31ft; ladies' dressing room 21ft by lift: men's dressing room 17ft by lift. The front portion of the plan, facing Napier Street, shows on one side of the entrance to the main hall the supper room and on the other side the Council Chamber 12ft by 17ft; clerk's office, 13ft by 12ft; reading room, 12ft bv 14ft Oin; lending library with division for children's section, 34ft by lift. Several ante-rooms are also provided for. The architect submitted an estimate- of £6OOO, which it was considered would cover the whole proposition. A full discussion took place, an early view being that the price of such a building would not meet with the approval of the ratepayers, but a close scrutiny of the position showed conclusively that any attempt to prune the proposed plan would not be in the interest of a progressive and growing town.

It was decided to carry out the necessary procedure to place be"fore the Loans' Board a loan proposal for £6OOO at 4 1-8 per cent, for o term of 35 years. When a reply has been received it is intended to call a public meeting to place the complete proposals before the ratepayers.