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Otago Witness, Issue 3804, 8 February 1927, Page 47

The actual gain in the population of the Dominion (reports our special correspondent in Wellington through immigration during the year ended December 01. 1920, amounted to 12,414 persons, a decrease of 388 compared with 1925. During 1926, 97,267 persons including crews of vessels—arrived in New Zealand from overseas, 17,868 immigrants intending permanent residence being included, an increase of 2164 immigrants over the 1925 total. The tourists totalled .9509 (7898 in 1925). and departures during 1926 numbered 84,851 (including crews) against 77,267 in 1925. A company is being formed in Temuka for the purpose of erecting an up-to-datd theatre in King street at a figure in the vicinity of £6OOO. The draft plan provides for a building 152f* long and 46ft wide, and full provision is being made for stage and cloak room accommodation. The stage is to have a depth of 15ft, with a proscenium, 28ft wide, and seating will be provided for 600 in the main hall and 280 in the dress' circle. The building is to' be built is. brick, and the plans allow for a vestibule and fire escapes. All the seats in the main hall are removable so that the hall may' be used for balls, bazaars, etc.

A plea that Mr Coates should not be asked to make too many speeches on his . return from the Imperial Conference was made at'the Auckland Rotary Club luncheon last week by Mr S. M. Bruce, Primo Minister of Australia.' “During my five months away I have made an average of . between two and two and a-half speeches a day,” Mr Bruce said amid laughter. “I spent most of my time speech-making in England, and on behalf of your Prime Minister I ask • that he be not subjected to what every Prime Minister is after returning’from the Imperial. Conference. To v attend an Imperial Conference is to realise ■you work harder than ever before in your '■ life; but your friends meet you when you return, say how pleased they are to see you, and then say you have had a topping holiday. I know it would be useless to make such a plea to my people, but you may be - more civilised here.” —(LaughterJ