MANDEVILLE NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20171, 6 May 1927, Page 9

MANDEVILLE NOTES

(From Our Correspondent.) Quite a large nuinber of people, including several ladies attended a meeting held in the public hall on Tuesday, 3rd inst., to discuss a suitable opening ceremony in connection with the completed alterations and additions to the hall. Mr J. N. Matthews (chairman of directors) presided and after a pleasant and lenghty meeting it was decided that it take the form of a concert and dance, and if arrangements can be satisfactorily made the function to be held on Wednesday evening, 11th inst. Mr M. Roche was appointed secretary. Nothing is to be spared to make the function well worthy of the occasion. Particular attention is to be directed in the procuring of the very best of music, good talent for the concert and the provision of excellent refreshments. The following is a summary of the various improvements and additions, viz., Supper room 32 x 12 lined throughout and contains a chimney with a nicely finished fireplace. The main building (back wall) is extended 15 feet, which is principally taken up by an up-to-date stage with the necess-

ary accesses to and from by three doors with ice floe panels. This extension is lined throughout. The stage is approached by steps from the main hall as well as from the dressing room and its excellent finish gives it a most pleasing affect. The kitchen has had a general overhaul. The old chimney with its questionable beauty has been pulled down and a more suitable one has been built in its place. This chimney with its fire place will in future be only used to provide comfort for those engaged in the arranging of refreshments. For the boiling of water the latest type of pumice boiler has been installed and as it holds sixteen gallons, should provide ample water for all requirements. An 8 foot bench with sink fitted and water laid on from a 400 gallon tank placed on a concrete foundation should give all necessary convenience for the washing up of cups, etc. Immediately at the back and conveniently above is an eight feet set of beautifully finished cupboards with sliding panel doors, which will provide ample accommodation for all the paraphernalia pertaining to that department. The outer wall of this room has been lined. Additional space has been given to the ladies’ room and the outer wall lined also. New conveniences have also been provided. All necessary additional electric lights have been installed. The main hall itself has undergone a thorough overhaul. The floor is now in good order and the main entrance doors altered to open outward. Spouting has been fitted to the whole of the buildings and the necessary drainage provided to carry the water. The new woodwork has been primed but the painting of the entire building has been deferred until a more suitable season as regards weather conditions. * Much labour has been devoted to the clearing of noxious weeds, etc., and the levelling of the hall grounds. A netting and capping fence has been erected on the boundary of the hall and adjoining property. It is pleasing to note in conclusion that the county council has formed and gravelled an additional 20 feet of the approach to the hall, which makes it clean and convenient to enter the hall by either the main or the two other doors.