THE NEW ODDFELLOWS HALL.

Colonist, Volume XXXV, Issue 7227, 25 January 1892, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE NEW ODDFELLOWS HALL.

The handsome and convenient new Hall recently erected for the purposes of Oddfellowship was greatly appreciated last evening, when a large number of Oddfellows entered the building for the first time. Situate on nearly the same site as the old Hall, and within a few feet of the Theatre, it occupies a central site, and the front elevation presents a p 'easing addition to our street architecture. The Hall stands back a short distance from the street line, and in the centre of the front are double doors, recessed, which open outwards with heavy mouldings. On either side of the entrance is a window in the centre of each side, and in the pediment above the entrance are the emblems of the Order -the all seeing eye, the hand with heart thereon, the globe with sprays of bay leaves, and the letters M.U. Bight and left of the emblems is a blue scroll bearing the words in letters of gold " Independent Order of Oddfellows," The triangular summit is capped by ornamental work, On passing through the entrance doors one passe 3 into a vestibule some six feet in width, to the right of which is a comfortable room about 12ffc by 14ft, to be used as the District Committee room, and on the opposite side of the vestibule is a room of similar dimensions, intended as a waiting room, and from which a door gives admission to tiie main hall, while by means of a sliding window communications may be passed from this room to the hall. At the end of the vestii ula already alluded to are a pair of swinging doors, which form the chief entrance to the Lodge room or hall proper, which extends the total width of the building— about 30 feet and i 3 some 15 feet in depth. It is a lofty chamber, with three windows on the northern side, and two, with a fireplace and register grate between them, on the south. The walls, &3 are those of the ante-rooms, are wood dadoed to a convenient height, and the walls above are panelled on a green tint ground, with white paper bearing gold stars, with a gold bordering to the panels. The Hall is fine and lofty, and the ceiling is match. lined, painted, and flatted. Ample provision has been made for lighting the Hall at night by means of gas braokets from the walls, and a small sunlight in the roof. At the western end of the Hall is an ante-room, the whole width of the building, but whioh may be divided into two by folding doors, and there is a fireplace in one part of this chamber. The building reflects much credit on the architect, Mr W. T. Good. Messrs Baker Brothers were the contractors for its erection, the contract price being something under £400, we balieve, and the workmanship generally 13 highly spoke a of. The painting, varnishing, and papering was entrusted to Mr J. P. Cooke, of the Royal Blue House, to say which is a guarantee that ths work i 3 well done in every particular. We congratulate the Oddfellows on now possessing so fine a room in which to transaot the very important business of their Order.