"THE KING'S."

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 28, 29 December 1917, Page 5

"THE KING'S."

AN UP-TO-DATE PICTURE THEATRE. A substantial and imposing addition to Broadway's business buildings is the King's Cinema House. Higher man the usual two-storeyed structure and of ferro-concrete. the "King's** stand* out prominently. The Stratford Pictures and 'Amusements, Ltd., who are the owners, have spared no expense in the construction and furuistungs. All arrangements for the (omiort, convenience, and enjoyment of patron- are of the most modern, and this fact will undoubtedly be quickly realised by the public who will see the, Theatre for the. first time on Monday evening, when there will he screened a special programme in aid of the local patriotic funds, the company generously donating the whole of the gioss proceeds. Inside the building, the finish is most artistic and pleasing to the eye, and the general effect is heightened by the fact that all lights are "concealed.*' "Fama" flooring covered by cork matting in the approaches immed'aiely gives an air of comfort to the surroundings. The pit has seating ao'emmodation for 100 persons and the orchestral stalls for about 270. The seats are of the tip-up design and Very comfortable, and are arranged so that patrons are enabled to see the pictures without being inconvenienced by those sitting in front; this, in addit'on to the floor-slope, gives a very clear view of the screen. The films ara projected on to n "plaster screen" in place of the old white sheet, and similar to those now being installed, in all the most modern picture" theatres. In connection with the actual screening of the films the operatnu box is situated in the middle of the building, (rot at the extreme rear), which should make for more

perit'CS projection. The Dress Circle, which is reached by waj of a marble stairway, accommodates 350 people, and here the seating is of somewhat better design than in the stalls and is equal to the best of its kind in the Dominion. The view from the back of the theatre five's the visitor the true perspective of the size, strength and finish of the structure. Ventilation is on the latest lines, ::nd the, heating .is obtained by means of radiators inset in the walls. The orchestra is provided for in . an enclosed comportment in the front of the pit. In the Dress Circle ladies and p,ents' slavatori&s are provided. FarectjS will no doubt appreciate the provision which has been made for the storage of go-carts in a compartment near the entrance and here also bicycles may be-left. . On the right of the picture house is the Marble Bar, an institution which is becoming very, popular everywhere. The lounge room is also fitted with :- Fama" flooring, and will be equipped with two counters. "Underground is the refrigerating plant for the manufacture of ice creams, etc., and an automatic carbonater for soda water drinks. . Tbe Company with commendable foresight have provided au up-to-date filter for . the water in the manufacture of the various commodities. The kitchen has all modern appliances, and included is a water cooler and an automatic cleaner for glasses. The large plate-glass window in the front of the bar will be decorated with an artistic design, and •the work is now being done by Mr Riddle, ot Stratford. The contractors for the building were the well-known firm of Johns and Son. o;' Auckland, and the • architects were Messrs Grierson and Aimer, also of "that city. As Mr Aimer had volunteered for active service and the former is a member of the 33rd Reinfoicements, the work was finished under the supervision of Mr Golsboro. while. Mr C. R. Pease acted a« clerk of works. Sub-contractors were as unties :—Painting. Messrs Bellringer Bros. ; plumbing, Cooper (Auckland) in conjunction with McMillan and Fredric (Stratford); plastering, Mr Hater; Fibrous plaster work, Carrara Ceiling Coy; flooring, Fama Coy. (Cumtchurch) ; fronting, S.Z. Shop Fronts Ltd.; marble flooring, Mr Bowskill; erection of seating, Messrs Evans and Tichbon and G. B. Wilson (Stratford).