NEW THEATRE

Southland Times, Issue 20773, 14 May 1929, Page 5

NEW THEATRE

A MAGNIFICENT STRUCTURE. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, May 13. The Fuller-Hayward Company’s new picture theatre, The Majestic, in Willis street, which opens to-day, makes the fourth theatre or hall in Wellington which will seat 2000 or over, the accommodation in this instance being 2200. The cost of the land and building was £170,000, and the theatre has been under construction for 13 months. Apart from the girders, which are notable as the largest ever seen in a building here, everything is of New Zealand manufacture, including the projection machines which are of a type invented by a young New Zealander. An unusual feature is the large tea and luncheon lounge with a glass floor for dano. ing, illuminated from beneath by 1100 coloured lights, the first in Australia or New Zealand. The lounge alone costs £15,000, and has accommodation for 600. The lighting installation represents an expenditure of £BOOO. Other novelties are the special entrance for arrivals by motor and the insurance of their cars while in the building, also the ventilation apparatus which purifies, warms or cools the air and can be scented if required.