VICTORIA HALL

Southland Times, Issue 23335, 20 October 1937, Page 15

VICTORIA HALL

IMPROVEMENTS TO BE CARRIED OUT SEATING ACCOMMODATION AND HEATING A recommendation from the works committee that provision should be made in the proposed loan schedule for improvements and alterations to the Victoria Hall costing £1350 was approved at a meeting of the City Council last evening. At a previous meeting of the council members stated that steps should be taken to make the hall more attractive as a place for entertainments. The committee recommended that the following provision be made in the proposed loan schedule: — (a) Structural alterations 350 (b) Heating system by extension of theatre unit to Victoria Hall . 250 (c) Installation of modem improved seating accommodation 750

Total 1350 The report of the city engineer (Mr F. M. Corkill) stated: “The improvements to this hall which have been discussed in the past include: 1. Lowering and extension of the stage; removal of back-stage partitions; new door at passage to stage; permanent proscenium; stage lighting and switchboard; drop curtain; scenery grid and ropes. This work is estimated to cost £350. 2. Heating: This was estimated by Mr E. R. Wilson in 1929 to cost £7BO for the hot water heating of the whole of the front building (offices and hall). The estimate given by Mr G. W. Davies in 1936 was £2OO for hot-air heating of the hall only, but this method is not recommended. As the boiler room is now occupied by the hot air plant for the theatre, Mr Wilson’s estimate would probably have to be increased to £lOOO. 3. Seating.—l do not think that the suggestion of cushioned seats which would be removed when the hall is required without seats is practicable. The theatre chair type of seat requires to be properly secured to the floor, is arranged in long rows, and could not be conveniently moved and stored. Proper fixed seating for 400 would

cost up to £750. With the recent building of St. Mary’s hall and the probable erection of another dance hall in the near future, the Victoria hall will be even less popular than now as a dancing floor and its conversion to fixed seating may not involve the loss of many lettings.” The Mayor (Mr John Miller) said he hoped councillors would note the fact that if fixed seats were installed in the hall revenue would be lost from bazaars and similar functions. The committee’s recommendation was carried.