NEW BRIGHTON.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 884, 9 December 1916, Page 7

NEW BRIGHTON.

.Toyland Picture Theatre will be opened on Monday evening at S o'clock. As the management lias secured Pox and Metro feature films, the public may expect pictures equal to those shown hi any of the city theatres. The new theatre will seat 520 patrons. The circle, which accommodates lo'O, is furnished with roomy, up-to-date, tip-up scats, upholstered in green plush, and the general scheme of decoration is well carried out. Special attention has been paid to fire safety and exits, and every precaution has been taken in connection with the picture plant and operator's room. The exterior of the building* has been greatly improved by the addition of a large balcony on George Street. This will bo used on Monday night by the local band, which will plav from 7.30 to 8 p.m. The Public Works Department is providing the electricity used in the theatre from a producing plant installed in Beresford Street.

The secretary of the Ladies' Bed Cross Society reports a very good meeting on Tuesday afternoon. A large assortment of garments was got ready for making up. The secretary says: —'' Now that the holidays are drawing near we trust that all workers who possibly can will call and take home one or any number of garments to be made up. We know that this is an extremely busy time with the majority of people, but we must try and not relax one Red Cross effort." All who so generously assisted, by donations and otherwise, are heartily thanked by the committee. The financial result, was very gratifying, especially as so many calls have been made on supporters and helpers during the last month or so. The following goods were forwarded to the depot: — 111 binders. 2 nightshirts, 2 bed jackets, 1 pair pyjani's, 5 pairs underpants, 70 roller bandaj s. 1 bundle of old linen, 2 pairs bed .cks, 2 pairs slippers, 12

scarves, 1 bs laclavas, 10 manitails. The weekly collection for reel bandage rollers realised 8/0. The New Brighton Rand is holding a unique competition on Friday, December 15, for medals presented by local supporters. There are to be six different quartets and eight duets. The management of the Premier Picture Theatre has placed the theatre at the Band's disposal for the occasion without any charge. Advantage is also to be taken to have the official opening on this occasion, when it is the intention to show several of flic new and latest pictures. A small charge is to be made to enable the Band to pay an Instalment off tfie debt of their new instruments. The promoters are anxious to make this a success, and each team is doing assiduous practice to give the best results. Mr Estall, conductor of the Woolston Band, will act as judge. The annual meeting of the W.C.T.TJ. was held on Thursday afternoon, Mrs Hall presiding. The annual report and balance-sheet were adopted. During the last six months the union has forwarded nearly £8 to the Lady Liverpool Depot, in addition to money and goods sent from the "gift afternoon." The following officers were elected: —President, Mrs Hall; vice-presidents, Mesdames Spratt and Thompson; secretary, Mrs W. Smith; treasurer, Mrs Nicholas; evangelistic superintendent, Miss Tait; cradle roll, Mesdamcs Hall and Nicholas, White Ribbon agent, Mrs Longley; visiting committee, Airs Beeby and Mrs Roberts. At the late Rose Carnival the ladies of the Women's National Reserve worked hard. The returns for their stall amounted to £O2, the net profit being £BS. ,The ladies in attendance were:— Mesdames Gardor, Lilly, Misses Rowe (2), Raphael, Hopkins, Peppier, Hamber ('.'<), Bonnel, and Fisher. Mrs Hamber desires to thank all those who gave sweets, etc., ami Mrs Knight, who collected £L .'!/- in Bexley Road. •

The New Brighton Motor Boat Club proposes to have a series of runs to Pleasant Point on New Year's Day in aid of the local Red Cross Society.'The money will be raised by selling badges, and every wearer of this badge will be entitled to a trip to this favourite spot. At the weekly miniature, rifle shooting, Private Cooke won the Hotty Button, and Private Shaw won the B Grade Button; and at the Ladies' Rifle Class, Mrs Fantham won the gold rifle brooch, and Miss Sherwood won the silver brooch.

The second shoot in the Cadets' third grade resulted as follows: Sergeant McCrec 70, Private Kibblewhite 65, Corporal Prarce 05, Sergt.-. Major Hopkins 65 (with their handicaps). Private L. Harding scored a possible 70 off the rifle.